Driving Naari Programme launched in Chandigarh
* Badal terms SAD-BJP alliance as everlasing
* Hopes that Bjp and Shiv Sena would form next govt. in Maharashtra
Ludhiana, Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today said that the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) was and would ever remain an integral part of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in future also.
Interacting with the media persons on the sidelines of the state level function to mark the Vishwakarma Day here today, the Chief Minister categorically said that he had dedicated his entire life while struggling to safeguard the interests of Punjab and Punjabis adding that it was during this struggle that the ties of SAD with the NDA in general and BJP in particular were firmed up. Terming that the SAD- BJP alliance has always stood the test of time, Mr. Badal said that the SAD-BJP alliance was everlasting and both the parties should not be seen as different from each other. He said that the tried and tested alliance between both the parties was a unique phenomenon of the Indian democratic system, which has passed every litmus test in last few decades adding that the relationship between both the alliance partners was very strong, impeccable and cordial because it has been time and again cemented with mutual affection and understanding.
Expressing hope that respecting the verdict of people of Maharashtra BJP and Shiv Sena would form the next government in the state, the Chief Minister said that both these parties were having similar ideology and they would certainly join their hands to form the government in Maharashtra. Mr. Badal said that it was also the need of the hour so that major fillip could be given to the overall development of Maharashtra.
Replying to another query, the Chief Minister said that if extended an invitation he would surely attend the swearing in ceremony of Chief Minister designate of Haryana Mr. Manohar Lal Khattar.
Terming Punjab as the most preferred investment destination across the country, the Chief Minister said that state’s infra structure has been adjudged excellent by several renowned agencies across the globe. However, he said that due to the prolonged militancy and the step motherly treatment meted out by the successive congress governments, the industrial development of the state has been adversely effected. Mr. Badal further said that the incentives given by the Congress governments to the neighboring states have also given a severe blow to the industry in the state. “But the SAD-BJP government has made stupendous efforts for promoting industrialization in the state, which have been fructified” he added.
Earlier, paying rich tributes to Lord Vishwakarma, the Chief Minister said that he was divine architect of the entire universe, who was believed to be the master of all machinery and equipments being used by the people in the industrial activities. Exhorting the people to follow the footsteps of this great Deity of all craftsmen and architects, Mr. Badal said the promotion of skill training across the state would be befitting tribute to the Lord Vishwakarma, who has ever inspired the artisans, workers and labour class to work hard with utmost dedication and commitment to develop the nation. He said that in line with the ideology and teachings of Lord Vishwakarma, the Punjab government has been laying thrust on imparting skill training to the youth across the state so they could live a life with dignity and self respect.
The Chief Minister impressed upon the industrialists to make a solemn pledge of making whole hearted efforts for promoting skill training as it would be real tribute to Lord Vishwakarma. Mr. Badal said that it would not only help in generating employment for the youth but would also play a pivotal role in putting the state on high growth trajectory.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister also felicitated 41 industrialists.
Prominent amongst others present on the occasion included Cabinet Ministers Mr. Chunni Lal Bhagat, Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema and Mr. Sharanjit Singh Dhillon, MLA Mr. Ranjit Singh Dhillon, former Minister Jathedar Hira Singh Gabria, Deputy Commissioner Mr. Rajat Aggarwal and Commissioner Police Mr. Pramod Ban.
