Amarinder demands Prez rule in Punjab

Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh today demanded imposition of President's rule in the state claiming law and order situation there is totally "out of control".
"Given the anarchy let loose everywhere, Punjab is a fit case for President's rule to restore confidence of people," Amrinder said, referring to the attack on Ranjit Singh Dhadrianwale and the killing of Mata Chand Kaur, and other incidents of violence reported from the state.
After paying tributes to Bhupinder Singh, who was killed in attack on Dhadrianwale on May 17 at Ludhiana, he alleged, there was an atmosphere of "fear and anarchy" in the state and the "Badals were directly responsible for it".

To another question, he "hailed" the Sikh priest who refused to offer 'Siropa' (robe of honour) to Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, saying it was the expression of "widespread anger" prevailing among people against him.
"Obviously the priest was right as the person responsible for the sacrilege of holy Guru Granth Sahab does not deserve a siropa," he said.
The PCC chief met the family members of the slain saint. He supported their demand for a CBI probe into the murder.

Replying to another question, the former chief minister said, Parkash Singh Badal was "shielding" the culprits.
Sharing the grief with Kulwant Kaur, the widow of Bhupinder Singh, and two sons - Harman (8), Gurman (6) - he said, he will ensure the family get justice.

Later, Amarinder also visited Bhaini Sahab to pay his condolences to Mata Chand Kaur.
(REOPENS DES65)
Speaking about Kumari, the new Congress in charge for Punjab, Amarinder said her presence will strengthen the party, as he appealed to the party cadres and leaders to close their ranks to form the government in the state.
"The Akalis are down in the dumps and AAP has already been exposed in Delhi and what they have been doing in Punjab," he said, while asking the party workers to reach out to the people.
Kumari said she felt honoured and privileged to have been given an opportunity to work in Punjab.

She said she had worked with Amarinder in 2002 elections also. "Now I have been given extra responsibility and I hope with your support and cooperation I will do better this time", she said.
Party general secretary and the chairperson of the Punjab Congress Campaign Committee, Ambika Soni said there was complete unity and unanimity among the rank and file under the leadership of Amarinder and exuded confidence on the party winning the assembly polls.