Criticising the move of Punjab deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal to sponsor the birthday celebrations of his father Parkash Singh Badal from the government's exchequer, Punjab Pradesh Congress spokesperson Nimisha Mehta said that Sukhbir should spend the money from his own pocket on his father's birthday.
“The proposed langar for over one lakh Akali workers at Rajpura on Parkash Singh Badal's birthday would give setback of Rs 50 lakh to the already dwindling government exchequer. If Sukhbir is so enthusiastic about serving langar on his father's birthday then he should spend the money from his own pocket. Why waste the hard earned money of the tax payers in fulfilling his whims and fancies,” Mehta said.
“Badals have taken control of almost every business, including liquor, hotels, transport, sand, etc in Punjab. After having amassed huge wealth and running seven star hotels, if a son is unable to spare money from his own income to get langar served at his father's birthday then it only reflects the dictator type thinking of the Badal family as they are considering public money to be their own “KHAZANA”, Mehta said.
“Historically, celebrating occasions at the cost of tax payers' money was the tradition followed by the royals. They used to celebrate their birthdays lavishly with the tax collected from their subjects and then used to give alms and food to the people. I think that Sukhbir Badal too has started believing himself a “royal king”. This act of the Badal clan has clearly exposed that the Badal family prioritise its own wishes over needs and development of people of Punjab,” the spokesperson said.
{{/usCountry}}“Historically, celebrating occasions at the cost of tax payers' money was the tradition followed by the royals. They used to celebrate their birthdays lavishly with the tax collected from their subjects and then used to give alms and food to the people. I think that Sukhbir Badal too has started believing himself a “royal king”. This act of the Badal clan has clearly exposed that the Badal family prioritise its own wishes over needs and development of people of Punjab,” the spokesperson said.
{{/usCountry}}She said: “It is shameful that people in Punjab are struggling for two square meals a day and instead of using money for their development Badal and the party are busy in birthday celebrations. This act has clearly exposed the Badal clan's slogan of “Raj Nahi Sewa”.”