Shimla, September 12
Punjab Finance Minister Manpreet Singh Badal failed to raise the issue of ending agriculture and other subsidies during the two-day “Punjab Vichar Sammelan” after being specifically restrained to do so. On the contrary, though the specific issue of subsidies was not raised by anyone, SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal said the entire party was very satisfied with the implementation of the party manifesto that included providing subsidies.

He said there was no dissension within the party on the issue of subsides.

Meanwhile, The Tribune had reliably learnt that the Finance Minister was specifically restrained from raising the issues of subsidies by three senior party leaders saying that if he did so, it would vitiate the atmosphere of the sammelan. The three leaders who reportedly assured him of an opportunity to express his views at a subsequent meeting in Chandigarh within a week are Balwinder Singh Bhunder, Ranjit Singh Brahmpura and Sucha Singh Langah.

Later, Manpreet Badal confirmed that after he arrived at Shimla, these three leaders told him that the entire party was concerned about the issue. However, it would be more appropriate to discuss the issue in a joint meeting with SAD coalition partner—the BJP.

“I have been assured of an opportunity to be heard on the issue of subsidies,” he said.

In fact, the entire conclave steered clear of controversial issues and focused on issues like improving governance, performance and accountability. Reading out resolutions adopted at the end of the conclave, the party president demanded a special package from the Centre for agriculture, irrigation and industrial sectors.

He said since Punjab was a border state, the Centre should take note of the fact. He also demanded a special package for the power sector.

Taking a very serious view of Union Government’s decision to divest the Punjab Governor of the charge of UT Administrator and reverting back to the Commissioner System of mid 1980s, the conclave resolved to take up the issue with the Centre.

“This is a blatant discriminatory move and is totally unjustified. The Centre cannot take any decision with regards to Chandigarh without consulting Punjab. In fact, it is high time the Centre vacated Punjab’s capital city,” the resolution stated.

The SAD has demanded a Special Agricultural Zone (SAZ) status for Punjab, with all incentives, facilities and fiscal subsidies for promotion of the farm sector along the lines of those extended to SEZs for industry.

Besides, the SAD has also demanded 50 per cent share in the state’s contribution to Central taxes.

The SAD also passed another resolution condemning the move of the Haryana government of setting up a separate gurdwara panel, describing it as a direct interference in the internal religious affairs of the Panth.

The conclave, that ended with an Ardas, has further resolved to strengthen the party at the grassroots level. As a special measure, the party president suggested creation of special wings that would comprise 50 per cent elected representatives and the remaining by non-elected representative of eminence.

Further, the SAD also decided to hold a similar conclave in six months’ time to review the implementations of the decisions taken now. Sukhbir Badal said in order to document the history of SAD since 1920, a museum of history of the party would be set up at the party office at Amritsar. A documentary will also be made on the party and a book on its history will be published that will help identify and honour those who struggled for the party, he added.