Punjab polls: Congress to launch manifesto for 'new Punjab' on October 1

Punjab unit of Congress said its manifesto for the state Assembly polls, which are due next year, will be released on October 1 and will lay a roadmap for creation of a "new Punjab".

“Congress will present a vision for the youth, education, unemployment and health sector, improving the fiscal deficit and more opportunities for the new industry to invest in Punjab,” party leader Manpreet Badal said while addressing a programme here.

He said the sacrifice made by freedom fighter Bhagat Singh and his vision will be incorporated in the party manifesto, which will be launched on October 1.

Underscoring unemployment as a major issue which needed to be addressed immediately, he said, “Congress will give a road map for creation of a ‘new Punjab’ with time-bound commitment to the people of Punjab.”

Manpreet exuded confidence about Congress forming the next government in the state under the leadership of Amarinder Singh.

Addressing the gathering, Youth Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja hit out at the ruling Badal family in Punjab and cautioned people against AAP’s “false promises”.

“The youth of Punjab have to fight the Badals just like Shaheed Udham Singh fought against the Britishers.

“Today the Badals are registering false cases against innocent Congressmen who raise their voice against them.  The people of Punjab will have to initiate Jang-e-Azadi against this Badal regime,” Warring said.

Targeting Aam Aadmi Party, Raja said people should not get befooled by the “false promises” which AAP was making to the voters of Punjab.

Leader of Opposition in the state assembly and local MLA Charanjit Singh Channi lashed out at the Akali government for lack of development in Sri Chamkaur Sahib.

“Badals have deliberately ignored development in this constituency. All the roads leading to the constituency are in bad shape, not a single penny has been granted for any new project in this constituency in the last 10 years,” he alleged.