'SAD-BJP alliance is biggest obstacle in Punjab's development': Sonia Gandhi

Kapurthala, Jan 19 (ANI): Stating that the Shiromani Akali Dal- Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) alliance has become the biggest obstacle in the development of Punjab,

Congress President Sonia Gandhi on Thursday lashed out at the ruling government in the state for not taking any steps for the upliftment of the poor and the downtrodden.

Addressing an election political rally in Punjab's Kapurthala District, Gandhi said: "The Shiromani Akali Dal-Bharatiya Janata Party coalition government has become the biggest obstacle in the development of Punjab. This government has taken no steps for the upliftment of the poor and the downtrodden."

"The state government also failed to implement any policy of the UPA (United Progressive Alliance)-led Central Government," she added.

Gandhi further accused the coalition government in Punjab of failing to properly utilise the money given to the state by the Central Government for various development works.

"Our government has never discriminated with any state government when matters of development are concerned. We have been allotting billions of rupees as funds to the Punjab Government, but it is sad to see that the Akali-BJP coalition did not allow the benefits of the federal schemes to reach the people," said Gandhi.

"The projects on rural development are yet to begin, urban development plans are yet to be formulated, the state of power in the state is evident to all, and the condition of roads under the state government's jurisdiction is very poor," she added.

Punjab is one of five states due to hold elections this year. As per the schedule planned by Election Commission, the state assembly poll in Punjab would be held on January 30.

In Punjab, the main battle is expected to be between the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD)- Bharatiya Janata Party alliance and the Congress party. Sukhbir Singh Badal, the Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab and son of Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, heads the SAD. (ANI)