Congress defamed Punjab, honoured ’84 accused: Irani
BARNALA/AMRITSAR : Union textiles minister Smriti Irani on Wednesday lashed out at the Congress and its chief Rahul Gandhi for defaming Punjab over drugs and ‘honouring’ accused of 1984 antiSikh riots.
“Rahul defamed the youth of the state by dubbing them as drug addicts during the 2017 assembly elections. Congress has done nothing after securing power in Punjab. It failed to provide jobs and then stopped central scholarship for Dalit students,” said Irani during a rally in Barnala.
Irani was addressing a gathering in support of SAD-BJP candidate Parminder Singh Dhindsa in Barnala. She said Rahul was trying to pretend as the champion of deprived people but betrayed youth and farmers.
“Farmers are still awaiting debt waiver scheme of Captain’s government but PM Modi has provided relief to farmers by releasing Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, facilitating ₹6000 to each farmer,” she added.
“The Congress honoured the accused of anti-Sikh riots but it was SAD-BJP government, which sent Sajjan Kumar behind bars,” she said.
“Congress could not do anything for 12 hours when terrorists attacked Mumbai on November 26 while the Modi government eliminated terrorists by crossing the border,” said Irani.
The Akali Dal candidate Dhindsa said, “I need your five days and thereafter I will serve you for five years. If I fail to perform, I will resign as a member of Parliament.”
ROOTS FOR PURI IN AMRITSAR
Campaigning for BJP candidate from Amritsar Hardeep Singh Puri, Irani counted the achievements of the Central government and dwelled upon various central schemes. Seeking votes for Puri, she said, “This election is for farmers, for people and for the families of those soldiers who were killed while securing the Country.” Puri said Modi government constructed 10 crore toilets, however, the Congress in 55 years failed to make one toilet.