‘Goonda tax’ will deter investors: Manpreet

Perneet Singh

Tribune News Service

Bathinda, February 17

Finance Minister Manpreet Badal today admitted that the collection of “goonda tax” by certain elements near Guru Gobind Singh Refinery, Bathinda, is negating the state government’s efforts to bring in investment to Punjab. He termed those resorting to it as the “enemies of the state”.

Talking to The Tribune here, Manpreet said: “The refinery generates a lot of business for Bathinda and nearby areas. I had taken up the issue in the recent Cabinet meeting, as it also concerns my constituency. I have clearly stated that those resorting to it must be brought to book. I will hold a meeting with the police officials and tell them to act. The CM has already asked the DGP to identify those responsible.”

He said that the interest of the state was paramount and the Congress’ reputation could not be compromised for personal income of anyone.

On the alleged involvement of some Congress MLAs in it, he said the guilty won’t be spared, “irrespective of whoever they are”.

On the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) accusing his brother-in-law Jaijeet Singh Johal (Jojo) of collecting “goonda tax”, he said: “The enmity of Badals with me is not political but personal. They know they can’t pin me down on anything, as I don’t have any business. I am just a farmer. They want to tarnish my image so they thought who better, if not Manpreet, than his brother-in-law. Moreover, they themselves have a lot to answer for.”

He alleged that it was SAD which conceived “goonda tax” and the people of Punjab had never heard of it till a decade ago.

On the state of economy, Manpreet said: “We have inherited a mess. In the last one year, we have tried to consolidate the state’s finances. We have curtailed our expenses and tried to raise our revenue. I am happy to report that our efforts have borne fruit. We have cut down wasteful expenditure and when the audited results of this year are published, you will find Punjab will be the top state which has tightened up its belt.”

‘Guilty must be booked’

The refinery generates a lot of business for Bathinda and nearby areas. I had taken up the issue in the recent Cabinet meeting, as it also concerns my constituency. I have already stated that those resorting to it must be brought to book. I will hold a meeting with the police officials and tell them to act. The CM has already asked the DGP to identify those responsible. — Manpreet Badal, Finance Minister