NAWAN SHAHR: Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sukhbir Singh Badal today welcomed the reopening of the Kartarpur Corridor in keeping with the sentiments of the Sikh community and Guru Nanak Naam Leva sangat worldwide.
The SAD President, who held a number of programmes in this constituency in support of Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) candidate Dr Nachhatar Pal, said the SAD as well as the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee had urged the Prime Minister to honour the sentiments of the Sikh community by reopening the Kartarpur Corridor. He said the Punjab government should do its utmost to facilitate the visit of ordinary devotees who had been waiting for the reopening for more than one year.
Mr Sukhbir Badal also urged the masses not to fall into the trap of anti-panthic forces that were using the Sikh garb to weaken the community from inside. He said there was a deep rooted conspiracy to render Sikhs leaderless by discrediting their religious institutions as well as their representative party – the Shiromani Akali Dal. Urging the community to be mindful of traitors whose sole aim was to sow suspicion in Sikh minds against their elected religious and political leaders, Mr Badal said “emotional issues are being used to create a wedge in the community. We must guard against such conspiracies which are the brainchild of both the Congress and Aam Aadmi Party”, he added.
When queried, Mr Badal said Dakha legislator was being victimized through Income Tax raids. “Mr Ayali’s sole fault is that he has supported the Kisan Andolan from the very beginning. He will continue to do so even now and such intimidatory tactics will not stop the SAD and its workers from raising their voice in solidarity with farmers”.
While campaigning for Dr Nachhatar Pal, Mr Badal stopped his vehicle near Rahon and interacted with a group of MGNREGA workers engaged in some task along the road. During the interaction, the women workers said despite having blue cards they were not getting social welfare benefits. "We aren't getting the monthly ration, which we are entitled to, " rued the labourers. Mr Badal assured them they would get their complete dues once the SAD_BSP government was formed in the State.
The SAD president held various public meetings across Nawanshahr constituency, where he listened to public complaints against the Congress government and assured to redress them permanently after forming the government. He paid obeisance at Gurdwara Manji Sahib and Gurdwara Tahli Sahib and also paid tribute to Dr BR Ambedkar offering garland to his statue in the main market.
Mr Badal also interacted with city residents while conducting a door to door visit in the main city markets. He also relished some sweets and street food on the way. Earlier, the SAD president was given a warm reception by the YAD and SOI volunteers at the entrance of the city. He also had a detailed discussion with farmer union activists at village Chakdana, where he explained to them the reason for breaking alliance with the BJP and also reiterated his resolve against the implementation of the three hated Farm Laws in Punjab.
Among others, Shiromani Akali Dal leader Jernail Singh Wahid and Democratic Party of India leader Parshotam Chadha accompanied him throughout the day.