The Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today categorically said that the Union Government must confer the coveted ‘Bharat Ratna’ award on the former Prime Minister Mr. Atal Bihari Vajpayee as he was the most deserving incumbent for the nation’s highest civilian honor.Talking to the media persons on the sidelines of the 17thdeath anniversary of the Subedar Kartar Singh, the father of Rural Development and Panchayats Minister Mr. Surjit Singh Rakhra here, the Chief Minister said that Mr. Vajpayee was a able administrator, a true statesman and above all the only political stalwart with undisputed credentials of secularism, who kept the nation united by demonstrating real democratic spirit and strengthening the ethos of national integration, communal harmony, peace and amity.Making a comment on the issue of personal attacks in the political discourses during electioneering by the top national leadership of BJP and Congress, Mr. Badal said that this trend was highly derogatory and should be condemned by one and all. He said through out his political career he has never attacked anyone personally. He said this practice must be stopped because it generated a feeling of hatred and hostility amongst the political parties and vis-à-vis the voters which ultimately disturbed the congenial atmosphere of peace and harmony in the country.Replying to another query regarding the seat sharing between SAD and BJP in the forthcoming Delhi assembly elections, the Chief Minister said our party was satisfied with the four seats allotted to SAD and there was no question of any difference of opinion over it. He said he would be campaigning in the favor of SAD-BJP candidates in Delhi during next few days.
Asked to comment on the issue of bringing electoral reforms to ensure transparency in the funding of political parties, the Chief Minister said he would ever welcome such reforms because SAD was the votary for clean politics based on true democratic values.Referring to the issue of recent seizure of drugs and narcotics across the state, the Chief Minister appreciated the role of state police in nabbing the culprits adding he said law would take its own course and none of the guilty involved in this racket would be spared. He said the diligent police officers who had unearthed this racket would be suitably rewarded in terms of promotions in the next ranks besides appreciation letters to the concerned. He further said any official or officer of state health department found involved in the drug racket would also be dealt with severely.Replying to another issue of unauthorized ownership of Shamlat lands as per the revelations made in Justice Kuldip Singh report, Mr. Badal said that the entire matter was being enquired into by the state government and the cases were being examined meticulously so that the guilty involved in land grabbing could be brought to the book. He said his government was not at all vindictive and victimizing none in this case adding Mr. Badal stated any leader belonging to any political party would not be spared at any cost, howsoever powerful and well connected, he may be because the land of the law was same for every citizen of the country.
Referring to the probability of seat sharing between SAD and BJP during the forth coming Lok Sabha elections in the state, the Chief Minister said that we have not yet considered this issue but if both the parties feel necessity of such seat adjustment then it could be sorted out amicably at the level of senior leadership of both the political parties.While addressing the gathering on the death anniversary of Subedar Kartar Singh, the Chief Minister paid rich tributes to him describing him as a light house who was passionate for the overall development of the region. He played a pro-active role in the field of social service as he was a great philanthropist who made an enormous contribution in the uplift of poor and downtrodden.On the occasion, the Chief Minister released the souvenir in the memory of Subedar Kartar Singh.
Earlier, the Chief Minister also also paid homage to the former Cabinet minister and Senior Akali leader Raja Narinder Singh at Nabha and also unveiled a statue at Rohti Pul in his memory amidst the presence of his wife Shivdev Kaur, son Mr. Harinderpal Singh Jolly and Mr. Man Inder Singh Manhi.Prominent among who were present Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Mr. Charanjit Singh Atwal, Cabinet Minister Mr. Ajit Singh Kohar besides Mr. Surjit Singh Rakhra, Mr. Darshan Singh Dhaliwal and Mr. Charanjeet Singh Dhaliwal, the sons of Late. Subedar Kartar Singh, Former SGPC President Prof. Kirpal Singh Badungar, VC Punjabi University Dr. Jaspal Singh, Mayor MC Patiala Mr. Amrinder Singh and Special Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr. Ajoy Sharma.