Chabbewal (Punjab), April 3 SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal announced on Friday that if the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) forms the government in 2027, it will implement a special industrial package for Punjab's Kandi region and establish a Kandi Area Development Ministry.
Addressing a rally at Chabbewal, he stated that the package would include power and tax subsidies, and that road improvements would involve constructing highways connecting Pathankot to Chandigarh and Amritsar to Anandpur Sahib.
He said the proposed ministry would focus on the overall development of the Kandi (sub-mountainous) belt, including the installation of government borewells and providing drip irrigation and underground pipeline facilities to farmers.
Targeting the Aam Admi Party (AAP) government, Badal alleged that law and order in the state had deteriorated, claiming that ministers were collaborating with gangsters to threaten people and engage in extortion.
He also criticised Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, alleging that he had lost touch with the public and was implementing the agenda of AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal.
Badal further accused the AAP of corruption, alleging that political rallies were being held using public funds and large amounts were being spent on arrangements.
Challenging the state government's investment claims, he pointed out that while the AAP had asserted an investment of Rs 1.5 lakh crore, the actual investment was only approximately Rs 2,600 crore, according to RTI data.
He said investors were hesitant to invest in Punjab due to extortion and "gangster raj" and added that the SAD would ensure better law and order and provide incentives to industries.
Badal emphasised that industries would be encouraged to provide at least 75 per cent of jobs to locals.
Outlining his plans, he announced the establishment of a World Skill University with centres in every district, as well as the opening of medical and veterinary colleges.
He also announced interest-free loans of up to Rs 10 lakh for youth, the expansion of welfare schemes, and an increase in the old-age pension to Rs 3,100 per month.