US Sikh leader hails Badal poll victory

Washington, Mar 2 (UNI) Prominent Sikh leader in the United States, Dr Rajwant Singh, has congratulated Akali Dal leader Parkash Singh Badal for his party's sweeping victory in the recent elections in Punjab and urged him to make the state a favourable destination for companies seeking to invest in India.

''Punjab being a high consumer state is an attractive site,'' said Dr Singh, chairman of the Sikh Council on Religion and Education.

''Election results are truly a mandate for change and people of Punjab deserve a government which would solve the problems of the state.

''Parkash Singh Badal must be aware that this is probably his last administration and his chance to leave behind a positive legacy for generations to come,'' he said.

Dr Singh said, ''Punjab's education system is in shambles and the land is suffering from environmental degradation and over cultivation. Punjab has not seen much foreign investment in recent years and especially in comparison to many southern and western states in India." He wanted Mr Badal to visit United States as soon as possible to meet not only Punjabis and Sikhs but also major investment groups and corporations.

UNI