Kejriwal from Haryana, has 'no affection' for Punjab: Badal

Bhagowal (Punjab), June 9: Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today attacked Arvind Kejriwal claiming the AAP chief has "no affection" for Punjab as he is from Haryana and his "sole" intention was to wrest power here to benefit "his native state".

"Since Kejriwal hails from Haryana, he was naturally inclined towards safeguarding the interests of his state," Badal told a gathering during Sangat Darshan programme in Fatehgarh Churian Assembly here. He cited the Delhi Chief Minister's stand on SYL canal issue and said it will "deprive" Punjab of its water.

Earlier this year, while in Punjab, Kejriwal had said the state does not have a single drop of water to spare (for Haryana), but later, in an affidavit in the apex court on April 4, the his government supported Haryana’s stand on completing the SYL canal.

"All Punjabis would have to struggle to save every single drop of water because if AAP and Congress succeed in their designs, none could save Punjab from becoming a desert," he said. Badal's offensive came as AAP has stepped up its campaign, targeting the SAD-BJP government over drug issue and agricultural distress, for the Assembly polls in the state due next year.

Badal alleged while Congress signed various agreements to "deprive" Punjab of its waters, the AAP is now "trying its level best" to ensure they are implemented at the earliest.

Targeting Congress, he alleged it has never missed an opportunity to meddle in the religious affairs of the Sikhs, and said younger generation should not forget the action on the Golden Temple in 1984.

Badal said the 1984 Sikh "genocide" after the death of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi badly "tormented" the community's psyche and it's "our duty" to sensitize the younger generation on this issue.

Listing out major initiatives taken by his government, the Chief Minister claimed that due to "concerted efforts" of the SAD-BJP alliance government, Punjab was today "only power surplus" state in the country.

PTI