From India's number one state, Punjab has fallen behind, says PM

Amritsar (Punjab, India) , Jan 21 (PTI) India's Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today launched a scathing on the Parkash Singh Badal-led Shiromani Akali Dal - Bhartiya Janata Party coalition government of Punjab, saying the the northern Indian state which was once a frontrunner in the country in all spheres had now fallen behind. Addressing an election rally here, his hometown, he asked the electorate to overthrow the present regime and bring back Congress to power in the state. "Punjab was a golden land till a few years ago. The state was a frontrunner for many years and had done wonders in agriculture, industrial sector and food production. He said after being the number one state in the country, Punjab had fallen back and alleged that the SAD-BJP government was responsible for this. Speaking in his mother tongue Punjabi, Singh, in his nearly 35-minute speech, said the Congress rule between 2002 and 2007 had seen a swift pace of development in the agrarian state. He also said the United Progressive Alliance government at the Centre in New Delhi had always kept in mind the interest of Punjab. The Central government had been liberal in allocating projects to the state and ensuring that its development took place without any discrimination, he said. Noting that corruption is a serious problem requiring a multi-dimensional response, Singh said the UPA government is committed to establishing a strong and effective Lokpal (ombudsman at the all-India level). "We are committed for a strong Lokpal. A bill in this regard was passed in the Lok Sabha (lower house of Parliament) but got stuck in the Rajya Sabha (upper house). Our party believes that all parties should rise above narrow considertion and contribute in this regard (to have a strong Lokpal)," the Prime Minister said. Singh also referred to the Right to Information Act which, he said, had helped in empowerment of the citizens. Punjab goes to poll on January 30 to elect its next 117-member state legislative assembly. Congress party was in power from 2002 to 2007. In the 2007 elections the SAD-BJP alliance had emerged the winner. PTI Caption for pic: India's Prime Minister Manmohan Singh waving to the audience during a Congress party election campaign rally in Singh's hometown Amritsar in Punjab state on Saturday. Standing on the right is Punjab Congress President and former Punjab Chief Minister Capt. Amarinder Singh. PTI Photo