Industry wanted to teach government a lesson in polls: FASII

Attributing SAD-BJP regime's defeat in industrial hubs of Ludhiana, Jalandhar and Amritsar to its "anti-industry" stance, Federation of Associations of Small Industries of India today demanded the state government to create industry friendly atmosphere in its remaining term.

"The defeat of SAD-BJP candidates in three major industrial cities of Ludhiana, Jalandhar and Amritsar proves that industry had a great resentment against the state government for its anti-industry stance.

"Industry in Punjab wanted to teach a lesson to SAD-BJP regime by voting against its candidates," Federation of Associations of Small Industries of India (FASII), President, Badish Jindal said today.

"Punjab government faced wrath of industry which took on the regime for rolling out anti-tax evasion mechanism called E-Trip last year which was described as draconian measure to harass state industry."

"Rising power cost has also been another grouse for state industry particularly in the wake of sluggish economy," said Jindal who is also the vice-chairman of National Productivity Council.

Ludhiana city is a prominent industrial centre, known for its bicycles, auto parts, readymade garments, hosiery items etc. While Jalandhar is home to a large sports goods industry, Amritsar is famous for shawls, textile items, blankets, woollen fabrics.