Amarinder predicts Akali washout in assembly polls

Patti, Tarn Taran, Dec 15 (UNI) Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh today claimed that the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) would be wiped out in the forthcoming assembly elections in the state.

Addressing a public rally here, Capt Singh hoped the people of Punjab would not commit a mistake by election the SAD-BJP Government in the elections because they had already paid a heavy price for this by electing Parkash Singh Badal as the Chief Minister for three terms. He claimed Mr Badal and his coterie had always raked up the issue of the 'Panth' (Sikh community) in danger of exploited the religious sentiments of the people to woo voters in their favour. The Congress was committed to the over all development of the state and had demonstrated this by improving the fiscal position, infrastructure growth and bringing about diversification of agriculture, he added.

He charged the Akalis of pushing the state to the 18th century while the Congress was taking it forward to the 21st century.

The Chief Minister claimed credit for securing the release of hundreds of youth who had languished in the jails of Pakistan. He claimed he had taken up this issue with Pakistan President General Pervez Mushafraf.

On the request of local Congress leader Harminder Singh Gill, Capt Singh announced entrusting the task of preserving the historic fort of Patti to INTACH keeping in view its religious and cultural importance.He also announced a hundred per cent drinking water and sewerage scheme for Sursingh, Sabraon and Bhikhiwind.

Earlier, Capt Singh laid the foundation stone of the 66 KV grid sub station at Dubli and Pringli villages. he also laid the foundation stone of the Government Physical Education College to be built at a cost of Rs 4.25 crore.

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