Cong MLAs’ mass-resignation promise on SYL political gimmick, says Badal

BARNALA: Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal has termed the stand of Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee chief Capt Amarinder Singh on mass resignation of Congress MLAs in case of adverse judgment on the Satluj Yamuna Link (SYL) canal as a political gimmick.

“The Congress men were distributing laddus and applauding with joy when the foundation stone of the SYL was laid,” Badal said, while talking to mediapersons on the sidelines of a sangat darshan at Bhadaur constituency near hear on Wednesday.

“Why did they not announce resignations when Indira Gandhi had initiated digging of the canal?” the CM questioned Amarinder’s move.

“The Congress leaders are trying to attain martyr status by lacing their baby finger with blood. Elections are round the corner, so talking of resignations at this juncture is just meaningless,” he said.

“When Indira Gandhi was laying the foundation stone of the SYL, the Akali leadership was courting arrest for safeguarding interests of the state,” Badal said, adding, “Captain can’t just run away from the onus of being hand in glove in a conspiracy to deprive the state of its water.”

Criticising the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Badal said AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal hailed from Haryana so he was inclined towards safeguarding the interests of his state.

“An affidavit by the Delhi government, which is headed by AAP, in the Supreme Court on SYL issue is unconstitutional and anti-national.

The Kejriwal government has submitted in the court that the stance of Punjab on SYL could disintegrate the nation,” said Badal.

“Kejriwal has no affection with Punjab or its people and his sole intention is to wrest political power in the state to benefit his native state,” said Badal.