Former finance minister Manpreet Badal on Sunday changed Punjab’s political geography by launching People’s Party of Punjab (PPP) while taking solemn oath to tirelessly work for ending nepotism, corruption and favouritism from political and social life of Punjab.
Taking a dig on the chief minister Parkash Singh Badal for his reference that deserters could not win battles, Manpreet, virtually buoyant over finding large turnout of people quietly waiting for his address in scotching heat for hours, asserted that the PPP was a party following path shown by martyrs and its constituents were dedicated and bold persons. "We will route out present corrupt regime from the power," he added.
The entire gathering stood up on their toes and raised hands pledging support to their beloved leader when Manpreet formally announced launch of the People’s Party of Punjab to pursue mission of Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh. Manpreet’s father Gurdas Badal, sitting on dais, was seemingly the happiest man on witnessing sea of people sloganeering in favour of his son. The atmosphere was fully charged with supporters continue to raise slogans in Manpreet’s favour despite latter’s request to stop.
Manpreet exhorted the people of Punjab to dedicate coming 11 months of their life for his mission while assuring them a fully transformed pro-people Punjab in return. "We will bring back Punjab to its number one position in the country. We will end rule of individuals and ensure rule of law to prevail. The youth will get quality education and jobs. We will ensure their overall development," he added.
Manpreet exhorted the people of Punjab to dedicate coming 11 months of their life for his mission while assuring them a fully transformed pro-people Punjab in return. "We will bring back Punjab to its number one position in the country. We will end rule of individuals and ensure rule of law to prevail. The youth will get quality education and jobs. We will ensure their overall development," he added.
The PPP has become the first party in the country to debar its members from becoming minister or speaker or parliamentary secretary after attaining age of 70 years or if his or her blood relative was already appointed to these positions. "Besides, as per party’s constitution, no party member will hold these positions for more than 10 years continuously," Manpreet said.
The party shall strive and accord preference to the members with certain minimum educational qualifications for owing them contest elections.
In a unique initiative, the PPP has made a constitutional provision to constitute advisory committees comprising of experts from various fields to advice the party on important issues including women empowerment, Diaspora and environment, youth affairs, labour and employment, underprivileged classes of society, agriculture, trade and industry, education, health, governance reforms, print and electronic media, society and culture.
The party has also planned to set up Corp of Volunteers to further its social agenda at grass root levels. "Such volunteers shall serve humanity in times of disaster or distress. During peace time, they will organise activities like literacy or health camps," the constitution said.
Later, the entire gathering observed half-minute silence to pay homage to the martyrs.