Our Correspondent
Fatehgarh Sahib, October 16
The Congress government is ready to lead an all-party delegation to the Union Government to raise the issue of rights of the state, said Cabinet Minister Vijay Inder Singla here today. The remarks came amid criticism by various political parties over the Centre’s decision allowing more powers to the Border Security Force (BSF) in border areas.
Answering a query during a state-level event to mark the 351st birth anniversary of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur here, Singla said the Modi government was interfering in the rights of the state and Punjabis would oppose it.
He said paramilitary forces should strengthen the borders amid rising attempts at infiltration and smuggling of drugs and ammunition, and leave the handling of law and order to the state police.
Welcoming SAD patron Parkash Singh Badal’s appeal to political parties to unite against the Centre’s move, he said Punjabis had always presented a united front to defend the rights of the state, which was visible from the support extended to farmers’ agitation irrespective of party affiliation. “Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi is ready to lead such a delegation if all parties agreed,” he said.
Dedicating a commemorative bronze statue of the Sikh fighter to the people, Singla said: “It is the need of the hour to follow and propagate the ideals of Sikh general Baba Banda Singh Bahadur. The Modi government is hell-bent on handing over the land of small farmers to corporates by implementing the three farm laws,” said the PWD Minister.
On re-carpeting and four-laning of the Sirhind-Patiala road, the minister said the proposal had been sent to the Centre and they were awaiting the approval.
Lauds sad patriarch’s statement
Welcoming SAD patron Parkash Singh Badal’s appeal to political parties to unite against the Centre’s move, minister Vijay Inder Singla said Punjabis had always presented a united front to defend the rights of the state.
CM willing to lead all-party delegation: Singla
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