Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today asked the people to be wary of "anti-Punjab and anti-Sikh" forces trying to grab power in the state.
Addressing a gathering after laying the foundation stone of Bhai Jaita Ji memorial here, he said the state was facing a threat from those who have always been "inimical" to its interests and people.
In an apparent assault on the Congress, Badal said those responsible for the attack on Golden Temple and killing of innocent Sikhs in 1984 were again vying for political power in the state.
Likewise, he said, another force which had taken a stance contrary to the interests of Punjab on the Sutlej Yamuna Link (SYL) canal issue, was also eyeing political power in the state, in an apparent reference to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
Urging the people to "give a befitting reply" to these forces, the Chief Minister said nothing good could be expected from those who were "anti-Punjab in general and anti-Sikhs in particular".
He said those who branded Sikhs as 'terrorists' or 'separatists' in the past were now attempting to brand Punjabis as 'drug addicts', asking how could the brave and patriotic people of the state who served the country with full zeal and honesty be "defamed" in this manner.
Badal alleged these forces were trying to bring a bad name to the state despite the fact that "not even a single ounce" of drugs was produced here.
Terming the AAP leadership's action of equating its manifesto with religious books an "unpardonable offence", he said it could not be absolved of this "heinous crime against humanity".
Badal said AAP national convenor and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal "pleading guilty" at Golden Temple was of no use as the offence was "unbearable and intolerable". His "guilty conscience" forced him to perform 'sewa' (volunteer service) at the sacred temple, he said, adding no penance on part of Kejriwal could wash away his sins.
Seeking "full support and cooperation" from the people to save the waters of the state, Badal said Punjabis should be ready for a battle for the cause.
He asserted that the SAD-BJP government was committed to fighting any injustice to the state be it social, economic or political.
Reaffirming his government's commitment to preserving the rich cultural heritage of Punjab, the Chief Minister claimed it has spent over Rs 1,000 crore to build memorials.
Paying homage to Bhai Jaita Ji for his "unprecedented sacrifice", he said the memorial to be built at a cost of Rs 25 crore would be a befitting tribute to the legendary Sikh fighter who brought back the 'seesh' (severed head) of Guru Teg Bahadur from Chandni Chowk in Delhi to Anandpur Sahib.
Badal said besides providing cheapest power to the
industrial sector in the country, the Punjab government has also taken a lead by setting up single window system to give early clearances to all prospective investors in the state.
"Punjab government is committed to provide the conducive business environment and will take every step to promote industry in a big way" he said.
The Chief Minister said, "Ludhiana was the industrial hub of Punjab and has been ranked as the best city in India under the "Doing Business" category, by the World Bank, for two years in a row- 2009 and 2013".
He said that the launch of SC/ ST hub by the Prime Minister reflected his vision to empower the underprivileged strata of society.
In his address, Union state Minister and Punjab BJP Chief Vijay Sampla lauded the initiative taken by the NDA-government in "empowering the SC/ST community by promoting entrepreneurship spirit among them".
He said that this would immensely benefit around 34 per cent Dalit populace in the state.
