Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) general secretary and spokesman Prem Singh Chandumajra on Friday blamed Punjab’s Congress leaders for the non-payment of drought relief to the state by the Centre.
Talking to mediapersons here, Chandumajra said union agriculture minister Sharad Pawar had
announced to provide a drought relief package to Punjab in New Delhi as well as during his visit to the state for the assessment of the drought situation. However, after meeting Congress leaders, Pawar changed his stand, the Akali leader claimed.
He said the drought relief must be announced on the basis of expenses incurred by farmers on crops, not on the basis of crop production.
Chandumajra said chief minister Parkash Singh Badal always made efforts to procure central funds for Punjab, but Congress leaders of the state used to create obstacles.
He also alleged that unnecessary conditions were being imposed by the Centre for providing funds to the state under various schemes, which was against the spirit of the Constitution.
He demanded that states should be allowed to use central funds without any condition and as per their requirements, adding that the Punjab government, along with other state governments, would try to build pressure for making the Centre accept this demand.
In reply to a question, Chandumajra said Anandpur Sahib MP Ravneet Singh Bittu had failed to perform and people of the constituency were dissatisfied with his performance.
About his prospects of contesting the 2014 Lok Sabha elections from Anandpur Sahib, Chandumajra said he would abide by the party’s decision.
News Source: Hindustan Times
