Congress, AAP suffer from 'anti-Punjab syndrome': Badal

The Chief Minister said leadership of the two parties were raising hollow slogans and making false promises with the aim of assuming power in the state.

Accusing both Congress and AAP of trying to mislead people through "malicious propaganda", Badal claimed they were least bothered about interests of the people and the state and their only agenda was to plunder its wealth.

"Congress and AAP are like empty vessels which produce a loud sound but are good for nothing," Badal said addressing a public gathering during Sangat Darshan programme in Lambi assembly segment here.

The Chief Minister said neither AAP nor Congress has any "sympathy" with the state or its people while the Shiromani Akali Dal had a glorious history of waging struggle for Punjab.

Slamming the Congress for its alleged anti-Punjab stance, the Chief Minister said the party was "inimical" to the state as it denied Punjab of its legitimate territorial rights in terms of state capital, share in river water and for allegedly attacking Golden Temple, an action which hurt the religious sentiments of the Punjabis, including the Sikh community.

He said Sikhs could never forgive Congress for the 1984 riots in which thousands of innocent Sikhs were brutally killed.

The Chief Minister said AAP was also suffering from the "anti-Punjab syndrome" which was exposed by the policies pursued by it in Delhi.

He said the AAP government in Delhi discontinued teaching of Punjabi language in schools, did not observed a holiday on Baisakhi festival, demolished the 'piau' (water kiosk) outside Gurdwara Sisganj Sahib and submitted an affidavit against the state in Apex court on SYL issue.

Badal said "disguised" in the garb of common man, AAP was working overtime against the interests of the state.

Later, on the sidelines of Sangat Darshan programme in Bhai Ka Kera village, the Chief Minister said he would raise with the central government the issue of resuming the broadcast of Punjabi news bulletin service from All India Radio (AIR).

He said the state government was duty-bound to promote Punjabi language and culture. "We will leave no stone unturned to ensure that this bulletin service is restarted at the earliest," Badal added.

The Chief Minister also expressed deep concern over desecration of Gurdwara Sahib in Srinagar and imposition of tax on Gurdwara Sahib in Aligarh.

Noting that such incidents should be avoided as they have serious repercussions, Badal said all state governments should ensure that sanctity of each religion was maintained.

Replying to a query, he said Congress leaders were to be blamed for Chandigarh not being given to Punjab and they were "shedding crocodile tears" on the issue. He said the party has a done grave injustice to the state on the issue.