Ferozepore, November 25
The revival of agricultural and industrial economy in Punjab would be the priority of the Congress. This was stated by the PPCC president, Capt Amarinder Singh, at a rally here today.
He added that the Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) and the Punjab State Subordinate Services Selection Board (PSSSB), which had become dens of corruption, would be reconstituted with the inclusion of honest persons. The Congress had pledged to give an efficient, corruption-free and people-friendly government to the state.
Capt Amarinder Singh also promised that Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal would be forced to give an account of his wealth which he had acquired through illegal means and a commission would be set up for this purpose.
Lieut-Gen B.K.N. Chhibber, former Governor of Punjab,
who addressed a Congress rally for the first time, said he was not in the race for any post. He urged the people to vote for the Congress, adding that it was the only party which could provide a stable and honest
government.
While Mr Moti Lal Vora, Treasurer, AICC, said a charge sheet against Mr Badal and his associates would be released shortly before the Assembly elections, Capt Amarinder Singh promised that all corrupt persons in the ruling alliance and the police force would be booked when the Congress came to power.
Mr Vora claimed that there was complete unity in the state unit of the party.
He asserted that the Punjab farmers had been forced to sell their paddy crop in faraway states like Chhattisgarh as they could not get even the minimum support price (MSP) in their own state.
The Congress leaders, putting aside their differences, exhorted the people to oust the anti-people and corruption-ridden government of Mr Badal.
Mr Balram Jakhar, former Union Minister, said the days of the Badal government were numbered.
Later, talking to mediapersons, Capt Amarinder Singh said he had no differences with Mr Jagmeet Brar, Convener, Congress Parliamentary Party, Punjab. He added that the main factor to be considered while allotting ticket for the coming elections would be the chances of winning of the candidates.
Among those who attended the rally were Mr Hari Prashad, Secretary, AICC, Mr Balmukand Sharma, Mr Hans Raj Josan, Mr Mohinder Rinwa, Mr Varinder Kataria, former PPCC President, and Mr Rana Gurmit Sodhi, Mr Sajjan Kumar Jakhar, Mr Pardeep Singh Bajwa, Mr Gurbir Singh Sandhu, Mr Gurnaib Singh Brar, Mr Ravinder Singh Sandhu, Mr Reetinder Singh Saiyanwala, Mr Surinder Gupta and Dr Malti Thapar, all senior Congress leaders.
