Family that controls Congress avenges old enmity against Punjab: PM Modi

Addressing an election rally here, Prime Minister said, "The family that controls the Congress party avenges its old enmity against Punjab. As long as Congress is in possession of that family, the party can never work for the betterment of Punjab. Entire Punjab is witness that we formed SIT to investigate the 1984 Sikh riots and helped its victims. But Congress has always sprinkled salt on your wounds by giving big posts in the party to the accused of riots."

"The BJP government contests elections based on its work. Some people who do not have any record of work come here to spread lies. They talk about making Punjab drug-free. But these people themselves are experts in opening liquor shops in mohallas. The history of Congress is that it can never work for Punjab. And whoever wants to work, Congress creates thousands of obstacles," said Prime Minister Modi.

PM Modi said that the Congress party is disintegrating and those who fight among themselves cannot give a stable government to Punjab. He said Punjab needs a government that works seriously for the security of the country.

Referring to the drugs issue in Punjab, Prime Minister said, "Imagine you have a bungalow, a farm, a car, a good life...everything is there. But if your son is addicted to drugs then what will be the use of this property of yours. We need to create an environment to fulfill the dreams of mothers and sisters for their children. I have to repay my debt to Punjab. We will leave no stone unturned for the youth of Punjab, for the de-addiction of Punjab."

PM Modi said the trade and business in Punjab are under the seize of mafias.

Exuding confidence in the victory of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the upcoming state Assembly elections, Prime Minister said New Punjab will be full of opportunities and free from debt.

Mentioning Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) previous alliance with Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), he said, "When we were with Akali Dal, we always accepted our small role by treating SAD as an elder brother. There was a time when Akali Dal did not have an absolute majority, their government could not run without the support of the BJP. In that situation, the deputy chief minister post should have been given to BJP. But at that time also injustice was done to us, and Badal sahib made his son the deputy chief minister. We had more MLAs, the government could have fallen. But still, for the betterment of Punjab, we did not commit that sin."

Punjab will go to the Assembly polls on February 20 and the counting of votes will take place on March 10.In the 2017 Assembly polls in the state, the Congress had won an absolute majority by winning 77 seats and ousted the SAD-BJP government which had been in power for 10 years. (ANI)