हिंदी
(Appeals to PM to rein in ministers who were spreading discord with provocative statements)
(Says Shekhawat’s statement a case of conflict of interest as he is from Rajasthan and in charge of the Punjab State BJP unit)
(Also asserts Shekhawat’s statement that Rajasthan had equal rights over BBMB as illogical and without any merit)
Chandigarh, September 1 – Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal today condemned attempts by the union government to back out from solemn guarantees given to Punjab by the nation vis a vis the status of Chandigarh and demanded it be transferred to Punjab on priority.
In a statement here, the SAD president also appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to rein in his ministers who were spreading discord with provocative statements. He said Punjab was a border State and Punjabis’ sentiments were attached with the issue of status of Chandigarh and Punjabi speaking areas left out from the State. “Union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhwat not only threw caution to the winds while speaking out on these sensitive subjects but has also tried to change the established position of the nation vis a vis the status of Chandigarh. I request him not to make such controversial statements emphasizing Rajasthan’s right over BBMB as they will be taken as conflict of interest since he is from Rajasthan and in –charge of the Punjab BJP unit”.
Taking umbrage to the union minister’s new plan on how the future of Chandigarh would be decided, Mr Sukhbir Badal said “it is not in the ambit of Mr Shekhawat to take a decision on this matter. This is a closed chapter. The UT status of Chandigarh is purely temporary pending transfer to Punjab”.
Speaking on the issue, Mr Badal said Punjab was the only State in the country which did not get to retain its capital after reorganization. “We were assured that Chandigarh will be transferred to us and this was further ratified by a Government of India proclamation in 1970 that Chandigarh will be transferred to Punjab”. He said this was followed by the Rajiv – Longowal accord which gave Chandigarh to Punjab and was ratified by both houses of parliament. “It is a sad day for democracy that after all these proclamations and assurances Chandigarh has still not been transferred to Punjab and now plans are afoot to lay new terms and conditions to determine its status”.
Mr Badal also expressed shock at Mr Gajendra Shekhawat’s announcement that Rajasthan had an equal right over the Bhakra Beas Management Board. He said this statement was completely illogical and without any merit. “Punjab waters were given to Rajasthan against all riparian norms at the dictatorial command of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The same ploy was tried to hand over our River waters to Haryana through the SYL canal before the centre was stopped in its tracks by consistent opposition from the SAD”.
Asking BJP ministers not to politicize either the issue of transfer of Chandigarh or the issue or River waters due to impending elections in Haryana, Mr Badal said “past injustices should be corrected instead of making attempts to dilute the genuine right of the State. He also made it clear that the SAD would continue to seek the transfer of Chandigarh and would not allow one drop of water to go out of the State.
