SAD-BJP combine got mandate on plank of peace and development: Badal

Amritsar, Mar.7 (ANI): Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal on Wednesday said that they are starting a new innings after seeking the blessings of almighty, and added that the people of the state have given a mandate to the Shiromani Akali Dal-Bharatiya Janata Party government to continue with its policies on a plank of peace and development.

Flanked by his son and the state's deputy chief minister, Sukhbir Singh Badal, daughter-in-law and Member of Parliament Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Prakash Singh Badal paid obeisance at the Sri Harimandir Sahib here, before interacting with the media.

He said that the SAD-BJP alliance had gone to the people on the plank of development and with a record of maintaining communal harmony in the state.

The state's intelligent electorate in turn gave their stamp of approval to the combine's agenda and voted for the continuation of the accelerated development process.

When asked about steps to be taken for reducing prices, Badal blamed the Central Government for giving limited powers to the states to tackle the issue.

When asked about reasons for the victory of the SAD-BJP combine in 2012 polls, Badal quipped, "A goal is a goal, whether it is a field goal or converted by penalty shoot."

Earlier inside the sanctum-sanctorum of the Golden Temple, Badal was presented with a siropa by Bhai Jaswinder Singh, the Head Granthi.

At the Sri Akal Takht Sahib, the chief minister was presented a siropa by Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh. At the SGPC Information Center, Avtar Singh Makkar offered a siropa to the chief minister, the deputy chief minster and to Harsimrat Kaur Badal.

Bikram Singh Majithia, Bibi Jagir Kaur, Dr. Ratan Singh Ajnala, Bibi Mohinder Kaur Josh, Veer Singh Lopoke, Captain Balbir Singh Bath, Des Raj Dhugga and Navjot Kaur Sidhu were present on the occasion.

Later they also paid obeisance at the Durgiana Mandir and paid tribute to Jalliawalan Bagh martyrs. By Ravinder Singh Robin (ANI)