Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal Thursday said that despite having made the maximum contribution to the country's freedom struggle and also making India self-reliant in foodgrain, Punjab was getting step-motherly treatment.
Speaking after unfurling the national flag in Ludhiana city, 110 km from here, to mark the country's 67th Independence Day, the chief minister blamed successive governments at the centre for not giving Punjab its due.
Badal said Punjab did not receive due recognition and funds from the central government, despite its major contribution to the freedom struggle. He said Punjab had borne the onslaught of wars on the western front.
He credited the state government with ensuring that Maoism, terrorism and communalism were not allowed to raise their ugly heads in Punjab.
Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal unfurled the national flag in Mohali, adjoining Chandigarh.
In Haryana, Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda unfurled the national flag at Sonipat, despite rainfall.
In Chandigarh, Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Shivraj Patil unfurled the national flag.