Slamming the People’s Party of Punjab (PPP) Chief Manpreet Singh Badal for misleading the people by racking up baseless issues, the Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today said that before speaking on this sensitive issue related to drugs, the former Finance Minister must remember that state was being defamed for fighting nation's war against drugs. Interacting with the media persons on sidelines of first day of Sangat Darshan in Lambi assembly segment here today, the Chief Minister said that Punjab has a glorious track record of fighting for safeguarding unity and integrity of the country and now also it was fighting country's war against drug menace due to which the state has been belittled by some inimical forces. He said that Punjab falls on the transit route of drug coming from across the border to be supplied in the entire country. However, Mr. Badal said that the brave Punjabis were shielding the country from this curse by keeping a strict check on drug peddling due to which some of the forces vary of the peace and prosperity of the state has tarnished its image by labeling it as drug addicts.
The Chief Minister said that it was unfortunate that Punjab was once again suffering for the cause of the country. He said that despite of this all out efforts have been made by the state government to stamp out the menace of drugs from Punjab. Mr. Badal said that massive steps have been taken by the state government to cut the supply line of drugs on one hand and setting up a network of drug de addiction and rehabilitation centers for detoxifying the drug addicts and enabling them to live life with dignity and pride, on the other.Describing the celebration of International Yoga Day as a historic initiative of the NDA government, the Chief Minister said that people need to practice art of yoga for a healthy body and sound mind. Complementing Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi for the success of this mega event, he said that besides ensuring good health of the people, this initiative of promoting ancient Indian discipline across the globe has enhanced the prestige of the country worldwide. “Even, I practice yoga everyday for keeping myself fit and fine”, added Mr. Badal. Replying to another query, the Chief Minister expressed hope that the union government would soon release the sum of value cut borne by the farmers during the purchase of wheat. He said that as the government of India had announced to bear the value cut due on wheat crop due to unseasonal rain in the region so it would certainly release it very soon.
Earlier addressing the gatherings in village Mahuaana, Aadniyaan, Sehna Khera, Kuddiyan, Channu and others, the Chief Minister said that the Sangat Darshan program was a boon for understanding the problem of every village in an apt manner, for its early resolution. Mr. Badal said that rather than sitting in office he has always preferred to go amongst the people to listen to their grievances and solve them on the spot. He said that in Sangat Darshans the people do not face any sort of harassment in getting their day-to-day works done.The Chief Minister exhorted the public to play a proactive role in the development of the villages by personally supervising the ongoing development works in the state. He said that the people must personally ensure that the tax payer’s money was judiciously spent for the well being of the people. Mr. Badal said that no government whether at the state or centre level could ensure the development and prosperity of the country without the active support and cooperation of the general public. The Chief Minister was accompanied by Chairman Punjab Agro Jathedar Dyaal Singh Kolianwali, Chairman Mr. Tejinder Singh Middu Khera, his Special Principal Secretary Mr. KJS Cheema, Deputy Commissioner Mr. Jaskiran Singh and Senior Superintendent of Police Mr. Kuldeep Singh Chahal.