MOGA: Punjab's ruling Shiromani Akali Dal government showcased its power by kick-starting election campaign from Killi Chillan village in Moga district. "Development of the state is dependent on water. We will not let river water of Punjab to be used by any other state," said Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, stressing that by giving the ownership rights of the land acquired for the Sutlej Yamuna Link canal to its original owners after its de-notification, the government has put the contentious issue to rest. With hundreds of saffron flags fluttering with slogans like ‘Pani Bachao, Punjab Bachao,’ it became clear that the SAD will seek votes on the emotive issue of water sharing, much to the embarrassment of the ally the BJP, which is ruling the neighbouring state of Haryana.
Addressing the massive gathering at the rally, Badal said the people symbolised the significance of the issue. "Punjab has no spare water to share with anyone," he asserted. Calling Congress and AAP anti-poor, the CM said he was cautioning people that if voted to power, either parties would discontinue the various pro-people schemes and subsidies currently being given to the mass. "I request you to save Punjab," he appealed. Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal castigated the AAP, calling them 'topiwallahs' and Congress for allegedly defaming Punjab youth as drug addicts. "Our youth do not get jobs when they go to other states, because Gandhi family had run a propaganda stating 70 per cent youth are drug addicts." He even challenged Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal to show his accomplishments in Delhi before eyeing Punjab.
"We will build 500,000 houses for poor and ,1000 colleges in the state. Also, 150,000 more jobs would be created and more than 12,000 villages of the state would get solar lights, sewerage and clean water supply facilities at a cost of more than £3 billion," Sukhbir said.
