VOICE OF EX-SERVICEMEN PUNJAB

Elections in five states after ‘Budget on Feb 1’

New Delhi, October 23

Uttar Pradesh, which is set to witness game-changer elections, and four other states will go to the polls simultaneously, most likely in February-March next year, shortly after the presentation of the Union Budget on February 1.

While it will be single-day polling in Punjab, Goa, Uttarakhand and Manipur, UP is likely to have seven phases, according to sources in the Election Commission.

As a matter of precaution, the government approached the EC for clearing its proposal to present the Union Budget on February 1 so as to avoid criticism of violating the model code of conduct that will come into force the day elections are announced.

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Sources said the EC had no objection to the Budget exercise because it would cover the entire country and not only the poll-bound states.

It has been conveyed to the government that caution should be exercised so overtly populist measures are not included in the Budget aimed at voters in these states.

While the term of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly ends on May 27, 2017, those of Goa, Manipur and Punjab will end on March 18. The Uttarakhand Assembly’s term will end on March 27. — PTI

‘Memorial reflects soldier’s perspective’

Architect explains spirit behind work

A 45m-tall steel sword at War Heroes Memorial in Amritsar. Vishal Kumar

Vijay Mohan

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, October 23

Helping visitors get a soldier’s perspective of the battlefield is the focal theme of the Punjab State War Heroes Memorial and Museum that was inaugurated in Amritsar today, conveying the message that if the call arises the sword should be unsheathed.

The centerpiece of the memorial is a 45-metre-tall steel sword that emerges from a water body. “Water signifies purification of things and sword evolving from it denotes that it is only to be used for righteous action and protection of the distressed and not for any evil purpose,” Rakesh Kapoor, whose Delhi-based architecture firm designed the memorial, said.

“The underlying theme is that we are pure at heart but ready to pick up arms if need be. The sword also represents the spirit of Punjab, which has borne the brunt of foreign invasions over centuries,” he added.

At the base of the sword are four lions facing the four cardinal directions, which depict strength and alertness. “The expression of the lions has purposely been kept neutral so that they can reflect the visitor’s own thoughts and the viewer can develop a notional relationship with them,” he said. The lions also represent India’s national emblem and the visitor can also relate them with the nation as a whole.

Motivation is an important aspect of the museum and a gallery is devoted to this theme. A lot of planning also went into giving visitors a realistic feeling of war zones.

A cafeteria in the complex has been designed to look like a bunker while some other areas have a distinct military ambience where visitors can walk back in

Stand up and salute defence personnel: Badal to DCs, SSPs

Announces ex-servicemen helpline at war memorial opening

Vijay Mohan

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, October 23

Asking Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendents of Police in the state to accord due recognition and respect to defence personnel and veterans, Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today directed them to stand up and salute them whenever they visited their offices.

Addressing a vast gathering of ex-servicemen and civilian dignitaries after inaugurating the Punjab State War Heroes’ Memorial and Museum here, he said the administration should never be complacent on this account as defence personnel and ex-servicemen constituted one of the most revered sections of society. He also announced a tele-helpline at the Secretariat to redress grievances of ex-servicemen.

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Patting the Narendra Modi government and the Army for the cross-LoC surgical strikes by terming these the “right decision at the right time”, Badal said a country without a strong and effective military was a hollow nation. 

“History has shown that countries that have had a good military leadership have always been strong. Alexander the Great and Maharaja Ranjit Singh are examples of this,” he said.

Deputy Chief Minister, Sukhbir Singh Badal and Union Minister Vijay Sampala also complimented the government for the surgical strikes. Sukhbir said the intake into the armed forces from Punjab, which had witnessed a decline, had picked up. “Only four cadets from Punjab had joined the National Defence Academy five years ago. The figure is now 20,” he said.

Sukhbir said contrary to perception, there was no mass drug abuse by the youth in the state. “Medical tests at an Army rally revealed that only 1.26 per cent of the aspirants tested positive for narcotics, which was about half the national average,” he said.

Others present were former Army Chiefs Gen JJ Singh and Gen Deepak Kapoor and former Air Chief, Air Chief Marshal SK Sareen, various Cabinet ministers, Commonwealth War Graves Commission secretary Richard Hill and WW-II veteran Col Thomas Conway.

AAP promises revival of sick units

Releases industry manifesto | Vows to rein in liquor mafia, end ‘goonda’ tax

Minna Zutshi

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, October 23

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), in its 21-point manifesto for the industry released today, promised to revive sick units and make trade, industry and transport sectors corruption-free.

The manifesto promises to depoliticise the transport sector, dismantle the liquor mafia and end the inspector raj and “goonda tax” in the state.

The party said an SIT would be formed to probe the collection of “goonda tax” by influential political leaders.

AAP national convener and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, while releasing the manifesto, said the government’s “surgical strikes” (income tax raids) on small traders and businessmen should stop.

Kejriwal said AAP in Delhi formulated policies concerning industry and other sectors after holding discussions with all stakeholders.

Talking to the media, Kejriwal alleged that the Akali Dal-BJP and the Congress had struck a deal to stop the march of AAP in Punjab.

Punjab Dialogue ommittee chairperson Kanwar Sandhu said the manifesto was aimed at the revival of various sectors of the industry, while ending “goonda tax”, “inspector raj” and corruption which were impeding the growth of the industry.

Senior party leaders Sanjay Singh, Jarnail Singh, HS Phoolka, Bhagwant Mann and Gurpreet Waraich were present.

Former Congress leader Jagmeet Brar called Kejriwal the “messiah of 21st-century Indian politics”. He said Kejriwal was the first leader after Mahatma Gandhi and Ram Manohar Lohia to challenge communal politics.

Key Points

• Self-certification regime to do away with NOCs
• Cut in VAT and other taxes
• VAT refund to be expedited
• Single window system for approvals and clearances for the industry
• Special impetus to new industry, including IT
• Two-year tax holiday for sick units
• Special package to bring back industry to the state
• Revival of real estate sector
• Industrial township to come up in Ropar
• Unauthorised colonies to be regularised
• Elimination of mining mafia; mining licences to young entrepreneurs
• 10-year tax holiday for agro-based food processing and other industry
• High toll tax will be investigated and reviewed. No toll plazas on roads other than highways
• Five-year tax holiday for women entrepreneurs
• Small retailers will be protected from FDI in retail
• Social security for traders who face insolvency

Cong leaders against giving senior posts to turncoats

Rajmeet Singh

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 23

Senior Punjab Congress leaders have expressed concern over the prospect of offering senior positions in the party to outsiders.

Referring to the reported parleys with Navjot Singh Sidhu, the leaders today urged the party high command to convey the message to the turncoats to “imbibe the Congress culture and stand in the queue”.

Giving the examples of Talwandi Sabo legislator Jeet Mohinder Singh and Moga MLA Joginder Pal Jain, Rajya Sabha MP and former PPCC chief Shamsher Singh Dullo said such leaders should first work for the Congress before expecting positions. “The high command should consult state leaders before inducting outsiders,” he added.

Five-time MLA from Patiala and PPCC vice-president Brahm Mohindra said the leaders who had served the party for long should be preferred over the turncoats.

‘One family, one ticket’ norm questioned

Patiala: PPCC chief Capt Amarinder Singh's one family, one ticket norm is being opposed by senior party leaders. Many leaders seeking ticket for their kin have decided to approach Rahul Gandhi. Former CM Rajinder Kaur Bhattal, who attended a party meeting in Delhi on Sunday, said: "The high command will surely not deny ticket to a deserving candidate just because he or she is related to another candidate. The matter was to be discussed today, but it will now be taken up at the time of finalisation of candidates.". Among the ticket seekers are the family members of  Chaudhary Santokh Singh, Karan Kaur Brar, Mai Roop Kaur, Amrik Dhillon, Lal Singh, Guriqbal Kaur, Bhattal and Sukhjinder Randhawa. When contacted, Amarinder said the decision was taken in consultation with the high command. — Aman Sood

‘Kejri charge false’

Ludhiana: The Congress said on Sunday that Arvind Kejriwal's allegation that the Akalis were funding its poll campaign with drug money was "ridiculous and nonsensical". "There cannot be a more stupid suggestion than this. Is Kejriwal trying to say that the Akalis are funding the Congress to defeat itself?" Ravneet Bittu, Sukhwinder Majithia and Bharat Bhushan Ashu said. TNS

CITY LIGHTS

‘What is the aim of beautification projects when people fail to get potable water?’

PK Jaiswar

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, October 23

A three-time MLA and former Punjab Health Minister Laxmi Kanta Chawla is known for her blunt statements against the government even when she was its part. The former BJP national vice-president runs two NGOs that fight for the cause of women and economically poor sections of society.

The firebrand leader is unforgiveable when it comes to criticising the state government for its failure to provide basic facilities to residents of the holy city. “What is the fun of beautification projects in Amritsar when the people are struggling to get clean drinking water and feel insecure,” she points out. “In my view the state government is a total failure,” she adds.

In a tête-à-tête with The Tribune, she states that the Punjab Government was nothing, but a total failure. “In its blindness to execute the so called development works, it has only troubled the people, damaged the heritage and hit traders hard. With empty coffers, the Municipal Corporation (MC) is struggling to carry out various works in the city,” she adds.

The SAD-BJP government claims to have spent hundreds of crores for the development works in Amritsar. Do you think it is going to help residents of the holy city?

The so called developments works are not going to help the common man in anyway. Take for example, though the government is patting its back by launching much awaited solid waste management project, the problem of garbage collection persists in the walled city. Take any area from Lohgarh to Rambagh and talk to anyone, they will tell you the truth. Till now, the MC authorities have failed to solve the issue. Litter dots every nook and corner of the walled city.

Defunct streets lights are another problem. Even during the Dussehra festival there was pitch dark in streets. It encourages the anti-social elements. The MC authorities claim that the contract with the firm maintaining street lights has expired.

Gardens in the walled city lack maintenance. I am sure the same is fate of other green belts in the city. The stray dog menace troubles residents, especially in the walled area. The people are afraid of walking on roads in late evenings as stray dogs attack them.

Recently, the city witnessed a record number of dengue patients. It shows the miserable present health scenario in the city. What’s your take on it?

When the government and the MC failed to streamline the garbage lifting and disposal, how can the authorities claim to provide safe health to residents. Many parts in the city are facing the problem of clean drinking water. There are regular complaints of potable water getting mixed with sewage. Water gets accumulated on roads during rains or even when drains get chocked. The poor people cannot afford treatment at private hospitals. The scenario in government hospitals is miserable.

You remained Health Minister of Punjab. What will you say about the state of health institutes in the city?

It is fortunate that the Medical Education and Research Minister belongs to Amritsar. However, the Government Medical College and other state-owned health facilities are facing shortage of the staff and lack of necessary infrastructure. When government recruitments doctors on contract basis, you cannot expect better health services.

Like health, the people are also concerned about the deplorable education system

Health and education come at end of the priority list of the Punjab government. Private educational institutes are raking in mullah by fleecing the people while government schools have nothing to offer to children. The quality of education imparted in government schools and colleges is poor. Students of government institutions cannot compete with their counterparts from private schools. Private school is a legal way of looting the people.

Coming back to development works, the Punjab government’s ambitious bus rapid transit system (BRTS) is taking a final shape. Do you think it will solve the traffic problem of the city?

I don’t understand why the BRTS project was conceptualised for Amritsar when it failed to give desired results in metros like Delhi. Moreover, the government has the example of unsuccessful city bus service, which is still running under losses. A number of vehicles under this service have not been able to ply on roads due to unprofitability. I am eagerly waiting for it to be dismantled. I suggest that instead of running buses the government should allow auto-rickshaws to ply in dedicated lanes, which will reduce congestion on main roads to a great extent.

What about the grand entrance gate to holy city and corridor of the Golden Temple, which will be inaugurated soon?

The work on entrance gate prior to this one was started in 1996 and completed in 2001. And now, after dismantling the old gate, a new one has been constructed by spending crores. Similarly, the Circuit House building was constructed in 1995. Now, it is being reconstructed by spending huge amount. Why does the government undertake construction of a structure without visualising its utility in the future? This is sheer wastage of public money. It appears the game of reconstruction of various building is being played to benefit a few. The so called development projects be it the BRTS or corridor around the Golden Temple has hit traders and shopkeepers hard. The corridor has destroyed the old heritage and character of the walled city.

The law and order situation in the city also remains a hot issue for the people. The police has failed to curb snatchings and burglaries. Women feel unsafe on roads. Do you think the Commissionerate system in the city has failed to give desired results?

The crime can be controlled if the Police Department is run by the Police Commissioner, but when strings are in hands of MLAs, ministers and their halqa leaders then only God can save our city.

Despite various initiatives, the city witnesses regular traffic snarls. Why is that so?

The situation will remain the same till the traffic police continues to lay emphasis on challaning violators. The traffic personnel should stress on regulating vehicles. Instead of streamlining the traffic, policemen are often seen standing in chowks or corners with their hands in pockets.

Families of war heroes taken to Amritsar

To take part in inaugural ceremony of war memorial

Tribune News Service

Bathinda, October 22

Families of war heroes today were taken to Amritsar to participate in the inaugural ceremony of the Punjab State War Heroes Memorial and Museum. The war memorial has been constructed to showcase the sacrifices made by the Punjabis while serving in the armed forces. The ceremony for the memorial will be held tomorrow.

The Bathinda Sainik Welfare Department has made all travelling arrangements for the families.

The families consist of members of ex-servicemen, war widows of the Indo-China War and the India-Pakistan wars and the World War II. Around eight buses from Bathinda today departed for Amritsar, carrying banners. Similarly in Mansa, families of war heroes have also been taken to Amritsar by buses.

Sainik Welfare Officer Sarabjit Singh Sangha said, “Äbout 400 members of martyrs families from Bathinda and 350 from Faridkot have been taken to Amritsar.”

AAP promises corruption-free, low-tax regime to state industry

Party’s convener Arvind Kejriwal unveils document, says will end ‘inspector raj’

From page 1 LUDHIANA: The Aam Aadmi Party has promised a low-tax regime to the industry if it forms the next government in Punjab. Releasing the party’s 22-point poll manifesto for the trade, industry and transport sectors here on Sunday, AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal said VAT and other taxes will be reduced on Delhi pattern to make Punjab having the lowest tax rate in five years.“The governments till now have been treating the industrialists as thieves, but we in Delhi took them into confidence and our government earned `1,800 crore more revenue despite cut in the VAT from 12.5% to 5% in a phased manner in 2 years,” said Kejriwal. “Traders in Delhi are paying taxes honestly as the ‘inspector raj’ or ‘raid raj’ doesn’t exist there now. Same will happen in Punjab once we form the government,” he said.

The manifesto also underlines revision of all agreements that the SAD-BJP government had signed with private players and annul the “illegitimate” ones.

The manifesto announced to convert Rupnagar as the state’s industrial hub to give a boost to ‘Kandi’ area. ‘WILL SNATCH AWAY BUS PERMITS OF BADALS’

The document promises to “snatch away” the bus route permits of the Badals and other politicians, besides depoliticising the state’s transport policy.

It promises to give bus route permits to the unemployed youth and ex-servicemen. However, there is no mention of reviving the public transport players—PRTC and the Punjab Roadways—whose buses are vanishing fast from road.

“The manifesto focuses on depoliticising the transport sector by involving the common man. We will, of course, encourage the government-run public trans-port,” said AAP’s manifesto committee chairman Kanwar Sandhu.

Badal opens `130-crore war heroes museum in Amritsar

AMRITSAR: Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal on Sunday inaugurated the Punjab State War Heroes Memorial and Museum built at a cost of `130 crore.The project, which is spread over 8 acres, aims at showcasing heroics of Punjab soldiers and officers during wars. Built in the Naraingarh area of the holy city, the memorial has a 45-metre high sword and nine galleries to depict the battles from the times of the sixth Sikh Guru Hargobind Singh till the Kargil War.here Pakistani tanks captured by the Indian forces have also been put on display at the memorial, besides a fighter aircraft.

Speaking on the occasion, Badal said the memorial was a tribute to commemorate the contribution made by the Punjabi soldiers and officers to defend the sovereignty of the country.

AAP manifesto lacks understanding: Capt

CHANDIGARH: Punjab Congress chief Captain Amarinder Singh on Sunday dismissed Arvind Kejriwal’s promises to the industry as another theatrical gimmick, lacking understanding and silent on key issues.

“From reduction in power tariff to Value Added Tax (VAT) reduction and simplification, revival of sick units, new industrial township in Rupnagar and end to mafia raj, our party has already promised relief to trade and industry. What Arvind Kejriwal has done is simply picked up these points and packaged them in his industry manifesto for Punjab,” said Capt Amarinder, adding that even the promise to end the power purchase agreements with private players is a commitment of the Congress.

Navjot Sidhu is common dilemma for AAP, Cong

A SOURCE CLOSE TO SIDHU SAID HIS FRONT WILL NOT JOIN HANDS WITH EITHER SIDE WITHOUT A CONCRETE ROADMAP BEING AGREED TO

NEW DELHI: Former BJP MP Navjot Singh Sidhu is still in talks with the Aam Aadmi Party and the Congress.

Sidhu is negotiating with the AAP, a top party leader has confirmed, even as the ex-cricketer and his political front Awaaz-e-Punjab (AEP) continue to discuss the terms for contesting the Punjab assembly elections on Congress tickets.

“Our doors are still not closed for Sidhu but we can’t accept conditions. Talks are still on,” a member of AAP’s political affairs committee said.

Another AAP leader said the party cannot offer tickets to both Sidhu and his wife Navjot Kaur Sidhu nor to the Bains brothers, Balwinder Singh and Simarjit Singh, who are both Independent legislators. “Our constitution has a one ticket per family norm and we won’t change it,” he said. AAP leaders who have met Sidhu or his associate and SAD ex-legislator Pargat Singh said negotiations are moving slowly because of the logjam.

Despite the negotiations not making any headway in the last one month, both the Congress and AAP continue to engage AEP leaders. Both fancy their chances of coming to power in the state that is expected to see an election fought in the shadow of 10 years of anti-incumbency in early 2017. A triangular contest will make winning margins smaller and a fourth front or strong Independents in the fray could throw up unexpected results.The Congress sees the Punjab election as an important milestone on its road to recovery and AAP sees it as a stepping stone to expanding beyond Delhi. Both are eyeing the Goa and Gujarat polls and a poor showing in Punjab is expected to affect them there.

A source in AEP close to Sidhu said the front will not join hands with either side without a concrete roadmap being agreed to. “The assurance that first we join them and then things will fall in place is not acceptable,” he said.

A top Congress source in New Delhi said it was conveyed to Sidhu he should campaign for the party and wait for his turn as the Congress looks for the next generation of leadership in Punjab.

Surveys conducted by the Congress have indicated Sidhu, Pargat Singh and Balwinder Bains could prove to be strong candidates if they contest on the party’s tickets, sources close to Congress leader Capt Amarinder Singh revealed.

Sukhjinder S Randhawa, 57

Congress

BY THE WAY Remains an avid farmer

Constituency: DERA BABA NANAK Education: Graduate Assets declared in last polls: `2.6 cr Electoral record 2012: Defeated SAD rival Sucha Singh Langah by a margin of 2,940 votes. 2007: Lost from Fatehgarh Churian; this segment came up later, after delimitation 42 ASSEMBLY Questions asked: 0 RECORD Call attention moved: POWER PUNCH Gurdaspur Cong chief, close to Capt Amarinder Singh WHAT NEXT Assured of ticket due to proximity with Amarinder, popularity

HOW HE PERFORMED

The MLA was unable to bring any development or major projects for his constituency for which he blames the state government as grants were routed through Akali leaders. He organised a number of protests both at the district level and in his constituency to highlight the alleged misdeeds of the SAD-BJP combine. He even stormed a police station in his area along with state Congress chief Capt Amarinder Singh to protest against the arrest of his supporters. he is popular for being vocal. Randhawa remained in touch with voters but boycotted the district planning board meetings after issues that he raised were not addressed. All in all, he remained at the forefront to defend his supporters whenever they were allegedly harassed by the police.

Tripat Rajinder Singh Bajwa, 73

Cong

BY THE WAY Serious about his fitness goals

Constituency: FATEHGARH CHURIAN Education: Graduate Assets declared in last polls: ` 6 cr Electoral record 2012: Defeated the then assembly speaker Nirmal Singh Kahlon of SAD by 639 votes 2007: Didn’t contest here, lost in Qadian; Nirmal Singh Kahlon won this seat for SAD 42 Assembly Questions asked: 1 record Call attention moved: Power punch Three-time MLA, is in good books of Capt Amarinder What next Almost certain to get the ticket due to record, connections

HOW HE PERFORMED

Though he remained in touch with the people of his constituency and was often seen moving around, he could not do much as far as development was concerned. No major project or even basic development was carried out at a significant scale. For this, he blames the SAD-BJP regime. He was instrumental in taking part in protests organised by his party in his constituency and district headquarters Gurdaspur. He stood by his party workers, including sarpanches, and lodged his protests before government officials whenever he felt that fabricated cases were slapped against them at the behest of political opponents. A softspoken politician, he is at times even praised by those belonging to other political parties.

Amarpal Singh ‘Bony’ Ajnala, 41

SAD

BY THE WAY Known for being socially active

Constituency: AJNALA Education: Class 12 Assets declared in last polls: `2.2 cr Electoral record 2012: defeated Harpartap Ajnala of Congress by 1,235 votes 2007: efeated Harpartap Ajnala of Congress by a margin of 10,201 votes 0 ASSEMBLY Questions asked: 0 RECORD Call attention moved: POWER PUNCH Son of SAD veteran Rattan Singh Ajnala, has no rivals here WHAT NEXT Sure to get ticket; has mended fences with Bikram Majithia

HOW HE PERFORMED

A two-time MLA and son of senior Akali leader and former MP Rattan Singh Ajnala, Bony has been available in his constituency. He has to his credit the sewerage facility for Ajnala town; but roads are still in bad shape. He also has succeeded in getting new bus stands for Ajnala and Ramdas. He also got a new judicial complex in his tenure. However, he paid no attention to the villages located in the Ravi basin. Farmers who lost their crops due to flooding in the monsoon season are still struggling for compensation. An agitation has been on in his area for the last five years against the allegedly forcible acquisition of agriculture land by the forest department in the Ravi basin. He has not taken up this problem with the state government.

Sukhbinder Singh Sarkaria, 60

Cong

BY THE WAY Fond of playing golf

Constituency:Education: Graduate RAJASANSI Assets declared in last polls: `8.1 cr Electoral record 2012: Defeated 2007: Defeated Veer Singh Lopoke Veer Singh Lopoke of SAD by a margin of SAD by a margin of 1,084 votes of 8,276 votes ASSEMBLY Questions asked: 14 RECORD Call attention moved: 0 POWER PUNCH Two-time MLA enjoys rapport with Capt Amarinder WHAT NEXT With no rivals and a good record, he is likely to get ticket

HOW HE PERFORMED

He failed to bring in any major projects or development works in his constituency in the last five years. A fact that he attributed to his party being in the opposition. Sarkaria got Rs 3 crore from the MPLAD fund of Amritsar MP Capt Amarinder Singh, which he distributed in a few villages. As he resides in Amritsar city, voters had to contact him there. He did not launch any major agitation from his constituency though he did protest before district officials for being ignored in the distribution of grants. His absence from the constituency is talked about. Border villages in his area continue to be deprived of basic facilities, even links roads. Akali halqa in-charge Veer Singh Lopoke remained more active and was instrumental in distributing grants to villages.

Punjab govt splurges on publicity campaigns

HOSHIARPUR: Punjab government has increased advertising, in keeping with the upcoming assembly elections, to tout its achievements. In five months, from April to August, the government has splurged `28 crore on media publicity. For attracting attention of people, social media is also being integrated into its communication strategy. In last six months, government paid `31. 20 lakh to Facebook and Google for market their activities. Information sought under the RTI Act by activist Parwinder Singh Kittna, has revealed that publicity budget of the state government in the year 2012-13, was ` 8.42 crore. The same for year 2013-14 was `17.67 crore. In 2014-15 the budget was `6.33 crore. The budget for the present year totals to `31.5 crore.

CONG QUESTIONS USE OF GOVT EMPLOYEES FOR SPREADING AKALI PROPAGANDA

KAPURTHALA: Punjab Pradesh Congress vice president and Kapurthala MLA Rana Gurjeet Singh criticised the Akali-BJP government on Sunday. He slammed it for using government employees to distribute booklets in which the government has made false claims of development during the last nine years.

While issuing a press release here MLA said, “It is a total misuse of official machinery where government employees are forced to do Akalis’ propaganda work,” said Singh.

He said, with the government employees being deputed for distributing the booklets, normal work has suffered leading to harassment for general public. The Congress vice president maintained that had there been any real development carried out by the Akalis, they would not have needed booklets to tell people.“The development speaks for itself and you do not need to print and publish booklets and force upon people”, he told.

He said the Akali Dal should better use party workers for spreading its false propaganda. “Since you know that nobody is going to entertain your party workers and believe them, you are forcing the government employees do the job”, he said.