SAD to field candidates outside Punjab in Lok Sabha elections

Amritsar, Sep 20 (UNI) Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal today announced that the party would field its candidates in Punjabi dominated areas outside the state in the parliamentary elections.

Addressing media persons here today he said the SAD and its allies would contest elections on development agenda. "In the very first year of our government we have paved way for four thermal plants and mega projects worth Rs 40,000 crores," he said.

"In times to come Punjab would witness unprecedented growth at unbelievable pace. We have reviewed the requirements of the state, chalked out plans, generated the required funds and are on way towards implementation of the historic development projects," he said.

Mr Badal asked the Central Government to adopt and emulate the Punjab example on land acquisition policy for infrastructure development projects. "With a farmer friendly policy of reimbursing 30 per cent over and above the market price of land, the Punjab Government has smoothly and peacefully acquired land for various development projects including 500 acres of land for Mohali Airport, 2100 acres for Power Plant at Talwandi Sabo and 1500 acre for Power Plant at Rajpura," he said.

Replying to a querry pertaining to Mr Rahul Gandhi's visit to the state, he said, "Rahul's visit would make no difference what so ever to our party rather he would repeat the UP disaster for Congress in Punjab".

Earlier, Mr Badal laid foundation stone of projects worth Rs 21.46 crores in Majitha Constituency.

UNI PS BK2004