By Bahadurjit Singh-
ROPAR: Shiromani Akali Dal General Secretary and spokesman Prof.Prem Singh Chandumajra today blamed the Congress leaders of Punjab for the non-payment of drought relief to Punjab by the centre.
While talking to media persons at Ropar today Prof. Chandumajra said that Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar had announced to provide drought relief package to Punjab at New Delhi and after reaching Chandigarh for the assessment of the drought situation in Punjab .However, after meeting the Congress leaders, he (Pawar) changed his views.
He said that the drought relief must be announced on the basis of the expenses incurred by the farmers on the crops and not on the basis of production of the crops. Chandumajra said that Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal always made efforts to procure central funds for Punjab. However, the congress leaders of the state always tried to create obstacles in this regard.
He also alleged that unnecessary conditions were being laid by the centre for providing funds to the state under various schemes, which was against the spirit of constitution.
He demanded that states must be allowed to use the central funds without any condition and as per the requirements of the states adding that Akali Dal along with other state governments of the country would try to create an atmosphere for forcing the centre to accept this demand .
In reply to a question Chandumajra said that Anandpur Sahib MP Ravneet Singh Bittu had failed to perform and people of the constituency were dissatisfied with his performance as MP.
Responding to query about his prospects of contesting the next Lok Sabha elections from Anandpur Sahib constituency, Chandumajra said there was nothing such thing at present. However, he would contest the election from any place if party asked him to do so, he added.
