Enough time for campaigning: Capt

Mahesh Sharma

Raikot, January 13

Eradication of illicit liquor trade, but not the complete prohibition is on the agenda of the Punjab Congress, if the party is voted to power, said PPCC chief Capt Amarinder Singh at a rally here today. Excise on liquor being a major source of the revenue for the state was cited as the reason.

Responding to a question, Amarinder said the party candidates had enough time for campaigning despite some delay in the allocation of ticket. He revealed that former cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu, who met AICC vice-president Rahul Gandhi yesterday, would soon join the party.

Addressing the gathering, he cautioned the voters against falling prey to false promises of the SAD and AAP. “Both Parkash Singh Badal and Arvind Kejriwal are trying to befool the people by making false promises. It has been proven without doubt that Badal has always benefited only members of his clan and Kejriwal’s main agenda is too loot Punjab after grabbing power,” he alleged.

Reiterating his earlier allegations against Revenue Minister Bikram Majithia, Amarinder regretted that "Majithia and his goons have ruined the future of the state's youth through drug addiction and trafficking". He promised to make the state free from drugs and other social evils.

On party candidate Dr Amar Singh, he said with his experience as an administrator, he would redress the problems of area on a priority.

Wants EC to replace Chief Secy

Chandigarh: Punjab Congress chief Capt Amarinder Singh has asked the Election Commission to transfer state Chief Secretary Sarvesh Kaushal, charging him with trying to influence voters in favour of the ruling SAD-BJP by pressuring the officers responsible for the conduct of the elections in the state. In a complaint to Chief Election Commissioner Dr Nasim Zaidi, Amarinder alleged that the Chief Secretary was giving verbal orders to the district collectors to work for the candidates of the present ruling dispensation. TNS