Gurdaspur (Punjab), Jan 24: Launching a scathing attack on the SAD-BJP government in Punjab, UPA Chairperson and Congress President Sonia Gandhi today accused it of using central funds for their own benefits rather than for the progress of the state.
Refuting the allegation that the central government had always given a step-motherly treatment to the state, Gandhi said the UPA government under the leadership of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had given sufficient grants to Punjab for its progress and development.
She added that the money sent by the Centre was used by the Akalis for their own benefits rather than for progress of the state.
Castigating the SAD-BJP alliance for not properly utilising funds available under centrally sponsored schemes, Gandhi said, “the SAD-BJP rule destroyed Punjab...there have been scandals and embezzlements all round and corruption is at its peak”.
She said that the UPA government provided grants to states irrespective of which government is ruling them.
“The UPA gave packages to Punjab for improvement on economic fronts, but the Akalis never bothered about Centre sponsored schemes,” she said.
Listing out the “shortcomings” of the Akali regime, Gandhi at a public meeting at this border area of Punjab, said that the common man in the state felt insecure in view of the poor law and order situation in the state.
“Youths are taking to drugs as there are no employment avenues in Punjab,” she said adding that the health care in the state was in a bad condition.
