Congress slams Akali Dal-BJP alliance in Punjab, says people ready for change

Ludhiana/Patiala, Jan 30 (ANI): Slamming the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD)-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) coalition government in Punjab, Congress has said that the people are ready for change and want to get rid of the ruling alliance.

Congress party spokesperson Manish Tiwari made these comments on Monday in Ludhiana, adding that he expected a sweeping victory.

"In Punjab, we are witnessing a wave of change. The people of Punjab want to get rid of Akali-BJP and also want that the Congress should form the government in the state. As per the response of the public during the election campaign, it is clear that the voters of Punjab have made up their minds. Today, voting will take place and the victory will be celebrated on March 6," said Tiwari.

Around 17.6 million voters are expected to cast their ballots across 19,841 polling stations and will choose from 1078 candidates fighting for 117 assembly seats.

Economic growth and development have topped the campaign agenda in Punjab.

Slowing growth, a ballooning subsidy bill for power and food staples, and ineffective tax collection, which have plunged Punjab into debt, were highlighted by Congress in its campaign.

As the battle for the state intensifies, the SAD has labelled the Congress manifesto as vision-less, alleging it is seeking to discontinue food and electricity subsidy schemes.

Minister for State External Affairs, Preneet Kaur, in Patiala crticised the SAD-BJP coalition government for releasing false advertisement claiming restrictions on the 'Atta Dal' and the 'Free Power' schemes.

"It is absolutely against the norms that they should on the day of the polling put an ad in the paper to say that the Congress party will stop the 'Atta Dal' scheme and the 'Free Power' scheme just to get the votes," asserted Kaur.

Kaur confirmed the Congress party would cater to the schemes listed in the manifestos.

"As far as we are concerned, we are absolutely clear in the manifestos, very clearly stated that the free ration 'Atta Dal' scheme will continue in a better form, cheaper and more in quantity. It will come in with the Right to Food Security Act passed in parliament by our party and by our government and also the power for the farmers and their motors will continue free," she stated.

Responding to a statement that Captain Amarinder Singh has been projected as chief minister if the Congress Party won the state elections, Kaur said the electorates preferred him.

"The opinion polls already showed that majority of the people prefer him over Sardar Parkash Singh Badal and certainly the projection will help," said Kaur.

The results of the polls will be declared on March 6. (ANI)