CM: Entry tax on sugar a unanimous decision

Archit Watts

Tribune News Service

Shamkhera/Kolianwali (Lambi), May 26

Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today countered the statement by state BJP chief Kamal Sharma that the SAD did not take its alliance partner into confidence before imposing entry tax on sugar.

Badal claimed every decision was taken by the SAD-BJP alliance unanimously and this decision too was taken in presence of BJP ministers.

Interacting with the media on the sidelines of his Sangat Darshan in the Lambi Assembly segment, Badal said: “The BJP is a part and parcel of the Cabinet, which took the decision to levy entry tax on sugar. Both partners have complete understanding on all issues and take decisions collectively.”

Advocating utilisation of untied funds for the overall development of the states, the CM said: “The states should be given liberty to utilise these as per the needs of its people. To ensure holistic development of the states and the country, implementation of the federal structure is a must.”

Badal alleged the Congress leadership diluted this very fundamental principle of the Constitution from time to time.

Lauding the NDA government for forming NITI Aayog by scrapping the Planning Commission, Badal said it was the first move towards federalism in the country.

On another query, Badal reiterated that the state government was minutely looking into the case of reinstatement of former policeman Gurmeet Singh Pinki.

Badal denies of owning any resort in Mohali

The Chief Minister rejected the reports that they own an under construction resort near Mohali. When asked the need for spending a huge amount of Rs29 crore on the construction of a 100-ft road leading to the resorts at Palanpur village in Mohali, Badal said: “We don’t own any hotel there.”