Badal calls for united battle against drugs

Tribune Reporters

Mohali, January 27

Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal called upon all the political parties, non-government and social organisations to fight jointly against the drug menace in the state.

Addressing a gathering after hoisting the National Flag during the Republic Day function at Government College here yesterday, Badal said all political parties should rise above politics and cooperate with the state government to fight for the cause.

He also urged people to help in fighting female foeticide, pollution, unemployment and illiteracy to make the state “number one” in the country.

Talking on the sidelines of the function, Badal reiterated that there were no differences between his party and the BJP. “We are brothers and we solve issues, if any, like family members,” he said. Badal also thanked the Union Government for selecting him for the Padma Vibhushan award. “This is an honour for me. I thank the government and my people for giving me so much respect and love,” said Badal.

Earlier, Badal along with Punjab Director General of Police Sumedh Singh Saini and Mohali Deputy Commissioner Tejinder Pal Singh Sidhu inspected the parade and took salute from the Punjab Police units.

As many as 22 persons, including 12 police officials, were awarded for exemplary services.

With the drug issue continuing to haunt the state government, Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal chose to dwell on the issue even during his Republic Day speech at Guru Gobind Singh Stadium at Jalandhar.

After hoisting the Tricolour, he addressed a gathering. “Certain anti-Punjab forces are trying to gain political mileage by wrongly dubbing Punjab as a den of drugs and Punjabis as addicts,” he said. He gave a call to parents, social and religious organisations to turn the war against drugs a social movement.

The Deputy CM said he had fulfilled his 2007 commitment as the state had turned power surplus now.

Ferozepur: State Agriculture Minister Jathedar Tota Singh unfurled the National Flag during the Republic Day function at Shahid Bhagat Singh Stadium here. The minister said due to a congenial environment and trade-friendly policies mooted by the Punjab Government, the state had become one of the most sought-after destinations for investors.

Tarn Taran: Minister for Revenue and Rehabilitation, Information & Public Relations Bikram Singh Majithia unfurled the Tricolour at the district-level function here. He said due to the good relations between the Centre and the state, several prestigious projects were getting clearance.