Bathinda - Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal today said the erstwhile SAD governments had transformed Bathinda into one of the most developed cities in Punjab but continues neglect during the last nine and a half years had made it a shell of it’s former self.
The SAD president, who addressed a large public meeting at Model Town phase three along with Iqbal Singh Babli Dhillon, said it was a matter of record that the erstwhile SAD governments spent Rs 2500 crore on the development of the city during their stint in power from 2007 to 2017. “During the last nine and a half years not even Rs 100 crore had been spent on civic amenities in the city”, he added.
Asserting that the SAD had not only worked to provide modern sewerage facilities besides upgrading road and lighting facilities and building flyover and parks, Mr Badal said it had also upgraded health and education facilities in Bathinda. “From bringing AIIMS to Bathinda besides speciality cancer care and a Skill university, we have tried our very best to develop the entire area in a holistic manner”.
Mr Badal said the Aam Aadmi Party government had nothing to its credit and was now resorting to goondaism to win the elections. “I warn AAP leaders not to indulge in goondaism and vitiate the atmosphere in the city. I also want to tell them that Punjabis have never tolerated oppression and would resist all attempts to hijack the municipal polls by resorting to violence and booth rigging”.
Asserting that the SAD had drawn out a a comprehensive plan for the development of Punjab, Mr Badal said “we are committed to providing free education till the graduation stage to students once we form the government in 2027. We are also committed to establishing medical colleges in all districts to ensure quality education at the doorstep of the people”. He also spoke on how social welfare measures had been the cornerstone of SAD policies and would continue to remain so. “We will raise the emolument under the Shagun scheme to Rs 1 lakh besides raising the old age pension to Rs 3, 100 and giving a fillip to self entrepreneurship by giving interest free loan of Rs 10 lakh to the youth.