Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today categorically said that he had no meeting with former Chief Minister Mr. Surjit Singh Barnala or any of his family members for their plans to rejoin Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) as reported recently in media.Badal was addressing the media persons on the sidelines of state level function to mark birth anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh here at his native village Badrukhan. Replying to another query specifically pointing PPCC President Mr. Partap Singh Bajwa that what action has been taken by the state government against those involved in illegal land deals, the Chief Minister said that government was minutely examining the land record and stern action would be taken against all those found guilty. Mr. Badal further mentioned that he had never believed in the vendetta politics adding he said that it was the culture of Congress party and its leadership only. He also reminded that he himself and his family members along with many colleagues were targeted during the Congress regime but SAD-BJP government had never indulged in such vendetta politics ever.Expressing concern over the delay in the installation of Bronze statue of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, Mr. Badal directed the authorities to expedite the process in this regard and assured that it would be soon installed.
Addressing a mammoth gathering on the occasion Mr. Badal, while paying glorious tributes to Maharaja Ranjit Singh, said that there were probably two Monarchies known for their secularism practically in real, first was Ram Raj and other was Maharaja Ranjit Singh's regime. He said that Maharaja was a great ruler who ruled over a vast empire from Peshawar to Jammu & Kashmir while upholding the ethos of communal harmony and brotherhood. He said that Maharaja Ranjit Singh had always acted as a source of inspiration for their Government to provide value based administration with humane approach to our people.He also said that Maharaja felt the pulse of the people and extended all possible help and support whenever they were in distress or pain. Mr. Badal pointed out that Maharaja was an ideal before us to ensure clean, transparent and efficient administration.
Speaking on the occasion Member Parliament and Secretary General Mr. Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa welcomed Mr. Badal and said that Maharaja Ranjit Singh was an icon of secularism and efficient administration. Sharing his views about the secular approach of SAD-BJP government he further said that by there was not even a single person in the state who could say that SAD-BJP government had not given due respect, honor and representation to their community during its regime. He also quoted that Mr. Badal had refused to become Vice-President to the country just to keep on serving Punjab and its people. On this occasion Finance Minister Mr. Parminder Singh Dhindsa, said SAD-BJP Government under the guidance of Mr. Badal was following the legacy of Maharaja Ranjit Singh to provide pro-people administration in the state. He said Mr. Badal was alive to the basic problems and hardships being faced by the common man and making concerted efforts to address all these issues on the priority throw various social welfare schemes.
On this occasion, Mr. Badal handed over a cheque of Rs. 30 Lac to Panchayat for the development works at village Badrukhan. He also honoured the relatives of Maharaja residing in this village.On the occasion Mr. Parkash Chand Garg and Sant Balbir Singh Ghunas (both Chief Parliamentary Secretary) besides BJP leader Mr. Jatinder Kalra also paid rich tribute to Maharaja Ranjit Singh on this occasion including.Prominent amongst others who were present on the occasion included MLA Iqbal Singh Jhundha and Mr. DS Guru besides many SAD & BJP leaders.