AAP failed to fulfill poll promises: Badal

Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) of failing to fulfill the promises made before Delhi Assembly polls and alleged that the party came to power by "misleading" the public.
"AAP government has not fulfilled any of its promise and has failed to deliver anything to the people," Badal said here during Sangat Darshan programme here.
The chief minister said that AAP attained power in Delhi by showing "green pastures" to people, however, the party has been exposed it "failed" to fulfill any promise made to the people.
"AAP is now squabbling to grab power in Punjab but the wise people of the state will not fall prey to its tactics," Badal said.

He claimed Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) is only party committed to the state's development.
The Chief Minister alleged, "It is on record that AAP is just a bunch of opportunists and defectors who left one party or another to acquire power. When doors of all the parties were closed for them they joined AAP."

"The sole aim of these people was just to wrest power in the state. These defectors, who have been rejected by people time and again, have been frequently changing sides to suit their interests and they are least bothered about the state or its people," added Badal.

Exhorting the people to make the right choice while giving their mandate, the Chief Minister said that their verdict could make or mar the future of the state.
He said that people must verify the antecedents of every political party before giving their vote.
"Every single vote of yours matter for development and prosperity of the state so I urge you to exercise you franchise with utmost care, so that only those who care for you are elected", he added.
The Chief Minister said the alliance government has decided to double the pensions given to people under the social security schemes.

Likewise, to provide better health care services to economically weaker sections of the society, state government has decided to enhance the existing limit of free treatment in government and private hospitals to the nearly 28.50 lakh blue card holders from Rs 30,000 to Rs 50,000 annually under 'Bhagat Puran Singh Sehat Beema Yojna', he said.
The Chief Minister further said in case of accidental death or incapacitation of a head of registered family under this scheme, the affected family would get compensation of Rs 5 lakh.
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Referring to another issue for the management and
maintenance of various historical memorials and monuments in the state, Badal said that the cultural & tourism department had already been asked to constitute special committees under the chairmanship of deputy commissioners for the proper upkeep and maintenance of these memorials in the districts.

A cultural cess of 1 per cent was levied on infrastructure projects worth more than Rs 50 crore as contribution towards the Punjab Ancient, Historical Monuments, Archeological Sites and Cultural Heritage Maintenance Board Act-2013, he said.
Addressing the public gathering during his Sangat Darshan programme here at local grain market, he announced the upgrading of Rupnagar Municipal Council to accord Class-I status to it and said a formal decision to this effect would be taken soon in the next Cabinet meeting.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister announced development grants of Rs 3.30 crore for the execution of various development works and welfare schemes in Ropar city.

Giving details of major development works, Badal said Rs 101.67 crore would be spent to prevent the flow of domestic sewage in to the Sutlej River and Sirhind Canal, Rs 35 lakh for the construction of causeway on the mini bypass connecting Rupnagar-Nangal National Highway under railway track, Rs 33 lakh for Senior Citizen Home.