Previous SAD govts transformed Bathinda into modern city: Sukhbir Badal

Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal on Saturday claimed that the previous Akali governments in Punjab transformed Bathinda into one of the most developed cities in the state, but it has turned into a picture of neglect over the past nine-and-a-half years.

Addressing a public meeting at Model Town Phase-3 here, Badal said the erstwhile SAD governments spent Rs 2,500 crore on the development of Bathinda during its stint in power from 2007 to 2017.

''During the last nine-and-a-half years, not even Rs 100 crore had been spent on civic amenities in the city,'' he claimed.

Asserting that the SAD had worked to provide modern sewerage facilities, upgraded roads and lighting infrastructure and built flyovers and parks, Badal said it also upgraded health and education facilities in Bathinda.

''By bringing an AIIMS, a speciality cancer care centre and a skill university to Bathinda, we have tried our very best to develop the area holistically,'' he said.

Lashing out at the AAP government in Punjab, Badal said the Bhagwant Mann-led dispensation, which has nothing to its credit, is now resorting to ''goondaism'' to win the elections.

Polling for 104 municipal bodies, including eight municipal corporations, in Punjab will be held on May 26. The votes will be counted on May 29.

The eight municipal corporations going to the polls are Bathinda, Mohali, Abohar, Barnala, Kapurthala, Moga, Batala and Pathankot.

The Assembly elections are due in Punjab next year.

''I warn the AAP leaders not to indulge in goondaism and vitiate the atmosphere in Bathinda. Punjabis have never tolerated oppression, and they would resist all attempts to hijack the municipal polls,'' Badal said.

Asserting that the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has chalked out a comprehensive plan for the development of Punjab, Badal said, ''We are committed to providing free education till graduation once we form the government in 2027.

''We are also committed to establishing medical colleges in all districts to ensure quality education at the doorstep of the people.''.

Badal also spoke on how social welfare measures had been the cornerstone of SAD's policies and would continue to remain so.

''We will raise the emolument under the Shagun scheme to Rs 1 lakh, increase old-age pension to Rs 3,100, and give a fillip to self-entrepreneurship by providing interest-free loans of Rs 10 lakh to the youth,'' the Akali Dal chief said.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)