Sukhbir Badal accuses Bhagwant Mann govt of repackaging SAD schemes

JANDIALA GURU: Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal on Wednesday accused the Bhagwant Mann government of allegedly repackaging welfare schemes launched by the previous SAD government and taking credit for them, while allowing law and order and governance to deteriorate.Addressing a gathering during the SAD’s Punjab Bachao campaign, Badal said the government’s “Mann De Manaufe” report merely showcased schemes such as Atta-Dal, Shagun, old-age pension and Teerath Yatra, which, he claimed, were started during Parkash Singh Badal’s tenure.He alleged that several schemes had subsequently been diluted or discontinued. Under Atta-Dal, the earlier 30-kg wheat entitlement had been reduced to 5 kg, he claimed, while free bicycles for girl students, village sports kits, free chemist shops, gyms, RO plants and Suvidha and Sanjh Kendras had also been discontinued.Turning to law and order, Badal alleged that Punjab had witnessed a serious deterioration under the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, pointing to the killing of two ASIs and bomb blasts at police stations.He also levelled allegations of corruption in postings and transfers and made a serious allegation involving the chief minister’s wife, referring to an alleged demand for a Rs 5-crore bribe.Badal also accused Akali Dal Waris Punjab De of functioning as the “B team” of AAP and alleged that the organisation was receiving financial support from the ruling dispensation.He further alleged that the drug menace had multiplied under the AAP government because of alleged political patronage to traffickers.On the SAD’s proposed agenda, Badal promised skill universities in every district, one-month tubewell connections for farmers without them, 50 kg wheat under Atta-Dal, a Rs 1 lakh Shagun benefit, Rs 3,100 monthly old-age pension, loans of up to Rs 10 lakh for youth entrepreneurs and 75% subsidy for milch animals.You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Amritsar | Silver Rate in Amritsar | Bank Holidays in Amritsar | Public Holidays in Amritsar | Petrol Price in Amritsar | Diesel Price in Amritsar | CNG Price in Amritsar | LPG Price in AmritsarStay updated with the latest Amritsar news. Download the TOI App.