Congress today said the Shiromani Akali Dal leadership should do a reality check on their "poor performance" in the state instead of "day-dreaming" about forming a NDA government at the Centre.
Blaming Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal for "pathetic condition" of the state, Punjab Congress chief Partap Singh Bajwa said, "The Badals should take a cue from the UPA government at the Centre and implement austerity measures to improve the economy of Punjab."
Addressing a party conference at the Chhapar Mela here, Bajwa said, "NDA is a bunch of just three communal parties - BJP, SAD and Shiv Sena" and asked the Punjab Chief Minister to clarify the interest of his party "in aligning with such divisive forces."
Reacting to Sukhbir's statement that bringing back black money would be the NDA government's first priority, Bajwa said, "Let Badals first make their assets public and explain the source of funds for their vast business empire ranging from hospitality, transport to real estate and liquor."
"In 2002, Punjab Vigilance Bureau had assessed the total assets of the Badal family at Rs 4,326 crore," he said.
The Congress leader also took on the Badal government for spending lavishly on new aircraft and vehicles, saying it would be a "burden on the state exchequer".
On the high court's observations that it needs a heavy hand to curb the drug menace in Punjab, he said, "It was an indicator on the intensity of the problem in the state".
