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KHARAR, Dec 1: Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal gave a clarion call to Punjabis to unite and thwart the nefarious designs of the...

KHARAR, Dec 1: Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal gave a clarion call to Punjabis to unite and thwart the nefarious designs of the Congress party which, he said, had given a severe blow to the social fabric and economic structure in the long period of misrule.

Addressing a largely attended public function organised in memory of prominent Shiromani Akali Dal Badal leader and former Kharar MLA late Bachittar Singh at his native village Padiala, about 6 km from here.

Badal said that the Congress party had already done great harm to the nation and added that 8220;Congress even does not deserve to be called a political party as it has become a tolla8217; caucus of corrupt elements8217; who looted the country for over four decades.8221;

Blaming the Congress party for all ills in the society, Badal said that it exploited the country through its divide and rule policy. He said that there are certain vital issues like unemployment, poverty, economic backwardness and housing problems which are a matter of serious concern to the government and the the present government has initiated effective steps for tackling these problems.

Impressing upon the farming community to change cropping pattern and depart from the traditional crops like paddy, wheat and cotton, the Chief Minister said that there was a need of diversification and undertaking of allied activities like poultry, fish farming and setting up tiny home units.

Badal said that the SAD was the only party which could protect the interests of Punjab and Punjabis.

Lauding the contribution of slain Akali leader Bachittar Singh in the political system and promottion of education, Badal said that he was an honest political figure with determination and courage.

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He said that the Shaheed Bhagat Singh Memorial Khalsa College for Women founded by Bachittar Singh would be covered as recognised institution for 95 per cent government grants. He also announced a grant of Rs 5 lakh for development of the college. Speaking on the occasion, SGPC chief G.S. Tohra cautioned the people against false progaganda being done by opposition parties as the Badal government was striving hard to shape the destiny of Punjab. He apealed the people to massively participate in the various events of the tercntenary celebrations of the Birth of Khalsa.

Prominent among those who were present and spoke on the occasion included Mahesh Inder Singh Grewal, Harmel singh, Inderjitg Singh Zira all Punjab Ministers. Roopnagar SAD B MP Satwinder Kaur Dhaliwal, Satwant Kuar Sandhu, Daljit Kaur, Hira Singh and Gurdev Singh MLAs.