Badal blamed for bringing economy to brink of disaster in Punjab

Banga, Punjab, June 19 (UNI) Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder singh today blamed former Chief Minister and Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal) President Parkash Singh Badal for bringing the state's economy in the verge of disaster and exploiting the sentiments of youth in the name of ''Panth'' for the promotion of his own clan during his rule in the state.

Addressing a gathering in Nawanshahar district, he launched a frontal attack on the SAD (Badal) leader and appealed to the people not to be misled by the ''false'' and ''malicious'' propaganda of Mr Badal, who was scared of Congress party's bright prospects in the forthcoming Assembly elections on the basis of performance during its tenure.

The Chief Minister asked the people to draw a comparison between the performance of SAD (Badal) and Congress Party to ascertain themselves who was their real well wisher.

He said Mr Badal had no political agenda, except to criticise the government.

On rising prices of essential commodities, he said he would soon take up the matter with the Ministry of Food, Consumer Affairs and Distribution.

Outlining the overall development and growth in all the sectors of agriculture, industries and procurement, the Chief Minister said it was nothing but a visionary approach coupled with the pragmatic economic policies of the state.

''The vision of the State Government is to promote the diversification of agriculture for the welfare of Punjabi farmer and to provide them economic stability,'' he added.

Besides, the government has also tied up with RIL and Bharti Group to give a fillip to the diversification of agriculture which was the need of the hour, he noted.

Earlier, Capt Singh laid the foundation stone of a project for drinking water and sewerage facility here.

UNI VKJ KD DB2005