Chandigarh, September 12: Punjab Cabinet Minister and National Spokesperson of Congress Vijay Inder Singla castigated Union Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal for indulging in giving politically-motivated statements with regard to the 550th Parkash Purb celebrations of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
Singla asked her to apologise to the entire Punjabi community for failing to bring even a single project or any funds in connection with the historic event.
In a press communique today, Singla said if the Union Minister really wants to contribute from the depth of her heart in the celebrations then instead of making irresponsible statements, she should impress upon the Modi Government to open its purse strings for the celebrations. But the Union Minister has been keeping mum on this vital aspect, thus acting contrary to the interests of Punjab.
He further said that the Badal family doesn’t open its mouth in front of the Union Government in favour of Punjab and their scions indulge in issuing irresponsible statements, which is a proof of their psychological bankruptcy. He further said the Punjab Government had sent proposals worth Rs. 2475.03 Crore to the Union Government in connection with the Parkash Purb celebrations, but Harsimrat Badal didn’t do anything.
Singla further added that under the leadership of the Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh, the State Government is making Herculean efforts since the last two and half years to ensure that the celebrations are held in the grandest possible way. He further said that the yearlong celebrations were started in November last year which saw ex Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh in attendance.
The State Government has started development oriented projects worth Rs. 3462 Crore, which would include all round development of three historical cities connected with Guru Sahib, Sultanpur Lodhi, Dera Baba Nanak and Batala, transformation of the 71 villages graced by the visit of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, establishing Pind Babe Nanak Da, Babe Nanaki Girls College, new Inter Faith Institute at Guru Nanak Dev University and plantation of 550 trees in each village of the State.
He pointed out that Government of India had not sanctioned any fund for the development and infrastructural projects of holy city Sultanpur Lodhi.
The Chief Minister is taking personal interest in the development works which is evident from the holding of the Cabinet meeting for the first time outside Chandigarh at Sultanpur Lodhi. He further said that Captain Amarinder Singh had already held two meetings with the Sant Samaj to seek their valuable views to finalise the programs related to 550th Parkash Purb celebration.
The National Spokesperson of Congress reminded the Badals that during the 2008 celebrations of 300th Gurgaddi Divas at Sri Hazoor Sahib, the then Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh had given more than Rs. 1000 Crore for the transformation of Nanded Sahib city alone.
Divulging more, Singla said such sacred events come once in the lifetime of every human being and Harsimrat Badal should make the most of her Cabinet position and get the required funds approved from the Union Government.
