Tribune News Service
Jalandhar, October 9
Having already announced 400 units of free power for all and a Deputy CM’s post for a Dalit leader, SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal today announced more sops for the community at a joint rally organised with alliance partner BSP.
Speaking at the event in the Dalit hub to mark the 15th death anniversary of BSP founder Kanshi Ram, Sukhbir promised to bring in Kanshi Ram Pendu Vikas Scheme if voted to power in 2022.
“Under the scheme, all villages with 50 per cent SC population will be given a special grant of Rs 50 lakh for development works. Our alliance will also establish a medical college and multi-specialty hospital in the memory of Babu Kanshi Ram besides a university in the Doaba region after Dr BR Ambedkar.
He said: “We are also committed to distributing five lakh houses each to the poorer sections among the SC and BC communities. One lakh houses will be given to both communities every year. We will also split the Scheduled Caste and Backward Classes department into two to ensure focused development of both communities.”
Questioning the hunger strike by PCC president Navjot Sidhu at Lakhimpur Kheri to protest killings, the SAD president said: “It was a sham protest. He insulted slain journalist Raman Kashyap by indulging in a drama at his residence. Can it be called a hunger strike if one has dinner and then ends fast before breakfast? Sidhu indulged in circus for to grab attention and has no interest in ensuring justice for the four farmers and journalist killed in the violence. Surrender of Union MoS’ son was already on the cards since yesterday. The main demand was of arrest, which is yet to take place.” On purported use of abusive language by Sidhu in a viral video yesterday, Sukhbir said: “Use of language by a PCC president is uncalled for. He did not just insult the CM’s chair but also hurt the community.”
On route to rally, Sukhbir faced a protest by farmers who blocked the Pathankot Road from where his cavalcade was to pass. As the convoy was diverted at Kishangarh, a footwear was flung at the vehicles. Sukhbir said farmers should oppose the BJP instead of fighting it out with them. Ahead of the rally, Sukhbir reached Devi Talab Mandir in the afternoon. He said he had come to pay obeisance during the Navratras.
On Kanshi Ram’s anniversary, Akalis woo SCs with more sops
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