M A I N   N E W S

Badal sees political motive
Warns those behind sacrilege of holy book

Smadhbhai (Punjab), October 5
Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today warned political organisations against using the incidents of desecration to create a rift among different communities.

“Certain people with political and personal motives are trying to create a rift among various communities of the state, but the state government is strong enough to deal with such elements who are trying to bring back the dark days of militancy in Punjab,’’ he said.

Similar acts of sacrilege were committed in the early eighties to fan communalism before the decade-long era of terrorism engulfed Punjab, Mr Badal told mediapersons at Gurdwara Smadhbhai in Moga district.

Those responsible for the acts of sacrilege would be exposed and punished, he added.

Mr Badal condemned the attempt on the life of Sant Mangal Singh Satlani in the Golden Temple complex at Amritsar and said the law would take its course.

The sant was assaulted by his erstwhile follower who was expelled from his ‘dera’ a few years ago. The accused was overpowered on the spot and arrested.

Mr Badal ruled out Assembly elections before the scheduled date, adding his government would complete its term and the poll would be held in February next. He said there were no differences between his party and its coalition partner, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and the issue of seat-sharing would be resolved amicably.

Expressing satisfaction over paddy procurement in Punjab, the Chief Minister reiterated that the entire produce would be purchased. He directed the Deputy Commissioners to ensure timely payment to farmers and speed up the process of lifting of paddy in mandis.

Mr Badal said after organising the “biggest-ever political rally at Killianwali on September 25” to mark the birth anniversary of Chaudhary Devi Lal, a bigger welcome awaited Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee at Amritsar next month when the bicentenary of the coronation of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, would be celebrated in the holy city.

Accompanied by Education Minister Tota Singh, the Chief Minister paid obeisance at Nanaksar Gurdwara here on the eve of the birth anniversary of Baba Ishar Singh of Nanaksar Kaleranwale. The gurdwara head, Baba Gurdev Singh, presented ‘siropas’ (robes of honour) to Mr Badal and Mr Tota Singh. UNI