'Socialism and secularism underlying spirit of constitution'

Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today described the twin principles of 'socialism and secularism' as the underlying spirit of Indian Constitution, saying any deviation from these two basic tenets would be against the interest of the country.
Stating this on the sidelines of 'Sangat Darshan' programme in Phagwara assembly segment here today, the chief minister said that India being a land of diversities was endowed with people hailing from various religions, castes, creeds, and linguistic background.
"In the backdrop of this very fact, the forefathers of our Constitution had laid special thrust on the concepts of socialism and secularism in our constitution," he said.

Citing an example of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, Badal said that even the great monarchs like him had made the principle of secularism an essential part of his governance.
"No country can survive without these doctrines as they firmly hold its social fabric together," he added.
Taking a jibe at former Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh for his statement regarding "precarious" financial condition in the state, the chief minister said rather than worrying about the issues of governance, the Lok Sabha MP from Amritsar must try to set the house of his party in order.

He said before issuing such "baseless" statements Captain Amarinder Singh and state Congress Chief Partap Singh Bajwa must try to ensure discipline in their party by nailing the prevailing infighting.

Amarinder had yesterday alleged that the "ruling Akalis appeared to have resigned to bankruptcy as the fait accompli for Punjab, claiming that nobody seemed to be concerned over the precarious financial situation in the state".
Badal also called upon the entire opposition to play a constructive role by co-operating the government in making Punjab a frontrunner state in the country.
"Healthy criticism by opposition is always welcome but criticism for the sake of criticism is undesirable and unwarranted," he added.
The chief minister said the "step motherly" treatment by Congress coupled with its "regressive" policies have broken the backbone of Punjab's economy.