Akali Dal, BJP’s love-hate alliance continues - Harsimrat hits at CPS Sidhu, but claims poll pact to stay for 2017
Saturday, 15/11/2014
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2014/20141115/punjab.htm#5
Mansa : Describing Chief Parliamentary Secretary (CPS) Navjot Kaur Sidhu as a low-rung leader, Cabinet Minister of Food Processing and Bathinda MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal today said the SAD-BJP ties were very strong and both parties would contest the 2017 Assembly elections together.
Replying to queries about the statement of CPS Navjot Kaur Sidhu that the BJP should sever ties with the SAD, Harsimrat said, "The SAD-BJP ties are strong. Senior BJP leaders have time and again said that the alliance will stay. Some low-rung leaders are, however, making statements that can benefit the third party, besides disturbing peace and harmony in the state."
Addressing students at a government school in Bhikhi town of Mansa district, she said, "Each one of us will have to contribute to make Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Swachh Bharat Abhiyan a complete success. We should devote at least two hours daily to keep our surroundings clean."
About the Centre Government's "Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao" initiative, she said "Women will have to step forward to save themselves. If we decide to step forward with a strong determination, no one can stop us."
Harsimrat inaugurated a 30-bed community health centre at Bareta that has been set up at a cost of Rs 4.50 crore. She said food parks and food-processing units would be set up in the country very soon. "The Government of India would provide subsidy for setting up food-processing units in states, including Punjab. Farmers would be directly benefited as they would get better returns for their crops."
"Parents should adopt a proactive approach for curbing child labour. They should send their children to school for ensuring their bright future," she said. Harsimrat heard problems of residents at a sangat darshan programme and distributed development grants. Earlier, she paid obeisance at Gurdwara Sahib Bhikhi.
