Call for national forum on issues

JALANDHAR, Dec 13: Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal has called for constituting a national forum of different political parties ...

JALANDHAR, Dec 13: Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal has called for constituting a national forum of different political parties and groups to deliberate on issues pertaining to the welfare of the state and its people.

Addressing a function organised by Ram Naumi Utsav Committee to honour Ram Lila committees from all over the state today, Badal said forums should also be created at the state-level to ensure interaction between political parties for the creation of a welfare state in its true sense.

The chief minister expressed concern over the degradation of values and ethics in all walks of life, especially in the political system. He also said people’s representatives in the parliament and state assembly sometimes did not adhere to the code of conduct required for maintaining the sanctity of the sacred house. Common forums at the national and state level could also be useful for maintaining decorum by the elected political representatives in our social system, he said.

Badal also expressed concern that religious fervour and human spirit was diminishing in the present complex and materialistic world. Badal said religion stood for truth, adding that "unfortunately, some political groups misled the people for strengthening their vote banks".