Punjab CM Parkash Singh Badal hits out at AAP over its decision to gherao his residence
"Their eyes are merely on newspaper and television headlines," said Parkash Singh Badal.
Punjab Chief Minster Parkash Singh Badal on Friday hit out at AAP Youth wing's decision to gherao his residence saying there is no "honesty and seriousness" behind the move.
"I have waged struggles all my life in defence of democratic values. But I see no honesty and seriousness behind AAP announcing a gherao of my residence. Their eyes are merely on newspaper and television headlines," he said.
AAP's Youth Wing has decided to gherao Badal's residence in Chandigarh on May 16 to protest "anti-people and anti-farmers polices" of the SAD-BJP government.
The Chief Minister said his "doors have always been open" for everyone to discuss, in a constructive and meaningful way, any issue concerning the state, adding his government will not allow "AAP's dramatic tantrums to weaken and dilute the state's struggle for justice" on the river water issue.
"The biggest issue facing the people of the state is that of SYL Canal. River water is the lifeline of the state. On this depends not only the present and future of farmers but also of the entire economy and therefore the welfare and prosperity of every Punjabi," Badal said.
"It is disgraceful how AAP continued to indulge in double speak on this critical issue. They do not tire of raising slogans and at the same time continue to betray the state's interests through unbelievable flip-flops on the issue in the Supreme Court," he alleged.
"Why is their leader, Arvind Kejriwal, still unwilling to support Punjab on the river waters issue. Is this a proof of their love for Punjab," Badal asked.
Badal said Punjab AAP leaders should march to Kejriwal's residence in Delhi to ask him to stop betraying the state on SYL in the apex court and also tell him to "implement at least half of the welfare schemes which we have implemented for the welfare of farmers in Punjab."
"We give free power to the every farmer, Rs 50,000 interest-free loan per crop, life insurance of Rs five lakh, Rs 50,000 as medical care and Punjab is the only state to have set up a Kisan Vikas Chamber on the lines of the FICCI and CII," he claimed.