Punjab CM, FM should quit for misleading people: Amarinde

Lily

B.R
Staff member
Chandigarh October 13:

Former Chief Minister Amarinder Singh showered praises on Punjab Finance Minister Manpreet Singh Badal, but refused to answer any questions about his entry into the Congress.

“He is a great economist, and has studied in London,” said Amarinder, while fielding a question from mediapersons. Amarinder said Manpreet had a vision for the State’s economy, and he could do a lot good to the State. Manpreet Singh Badal, nephew of Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, has stirred a hornet’s nest in the ruling SAD, batting for the centre’s proposal to accept `35,000 crore debt waiver and introduce certain tax reforms, including the imposition of property taxes.

Manpreet has said that he had all documents to prove that the State Government was kept fully abreast with all developments in this regard, and even dared to produce all evidence to prove his point. Amarinder, however, had a word of caution for Manpreet. “He should stick to his statement on the issue he has raised. At times, he falters, and that is perhaps because of the fact that he works under tremendous pressure from the Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal,” said Amarinder.

Former Chief Minister, who has been a vocal critic of Punjab Government for not giving due attention to the State’s fledgling economy said: “The State Government must accept the debt waiver of `35,000 crore if the offer is there.” Manpreet Singh is likely to make a presentation on the debt waiver on Wednesday to bring home his point. With his uncle Chief Minister Badal still recuperating from injuries at the city’s PGIMER hospital, and cousin Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal away on tour to Russia, any action against Manpreet seems to be unlikely.
On being asked if the Congress were keen to take Manpreet into the party, Amarinder said: “It is too early to comment on this possibility. At the moment, nothing can be said.” He, however, did not rule out his joining the Congress as well. Why Manpreet is important as a politician in Punjab? He is considered to be the most articulate and people friendly face of the party after Chief Minister Badal. He was also liked by Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh. Sources said they were having an excellent rapport.

The relationship is learnt to have gone sour when Sukhbir began eyeing the top slot along with the post of the party president. In reply to a question, Amarinder said: “He was going to New Delhi. He personally knows Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee very well. I myself would try to find out what kind of proposals has been sent to the State Government.”

 
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