IEP Nihalgarh (Sangrur), April 12
Punjab Chief Minister on Wednesday unveiled the statue of eminent freedom fighter Comrade Teja Singh Sutantar at his native village during a function to mark his 50th death anniversary. Recalling the immense contribution of Comrade Teja Singh Sutantar, the Chief Minister, while addressing the gathering, described him as an iconic leader of the national freedom struggle. He also remembered the services rendered by the legendary freedom fighter as an eminent Parliamentarian also. Bhagwant Mann said that the life and contribution of Comrade Teja Singh Sutantar will inspire the people especially the youth to serve the country selflessly. The Chief Minister said that anything that is named after such legendary leaders acquires its own importance. Batting for conferring Bharat Ratna award to those legendary martyrs who had sacrificed their lives during the national freedom struggle, the Chief Minister said that bestowing the Bharat Ratna award to these legendary martyrs will enhance the prestige of this award. He said that these great martyrs really deserve this award because they had made supreme sacrifices for emancipating the country from foreign clutches. The Chief Minister bemoaned that unfortunately this award has not been bestowed to these leaders even after the passing of more than 75 years of independence. He said that the awardees for this coveted award are selected by a high level committee led by the Prime Minister of the country. However, Bhagwant Mann quipped that ironically two past Prime Ministers from the Congress party had recommended their own names for this prestigious award. The Chief Minister asserted that he is the votary of the fact that the democracy with diverse ideas and views is always a successful one. In the same manner, Bhagwant Mann said that in democracy opposition and ruling party both are important adding that both of them should make concerted efforts for the development of the state. He said that politics should be confined only upto elections only and after that everyone must join hands for the welfare of people and progress of the state. Slamming the centre for muzzling the voice of opposition, the Chief Minister said that it is unfortunate that the people in power are not ready to listen to any voice of dissent. He said that anyone who speaks against their ‘friends’ are thrown out of the Parliament, which is totally against the spirit of democracy. Bhagwant Mann said that this trend needs to be checked as the great national heroes like Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Kartar Singh Sarabha, Comrade Teja Singh Sutantar had not envisioned such a democracy in the country. Listing the several pro-people initiatives of his government, the Chief Minister said that ever since assuming the charge of office he is working tirelessly for resolving the issues being faced by the state. He said that his government is providing free power to the state residents as a result of which 80% people are getting zero bills. Bhagwant Mann said that more than 9000 acres of land have been freed from the illegal occupation of the affluent people. The Chief Minister further said that the state government has dedicated more than 500 Aam Aadmi Clinics across the state to impart quality health services in the state. He said that these clinics are providing world class treatment and diagnostic facilities to the people free of cost. Bhagwant Mann said that so far 21.21 lakh patients have been benefitted from these Aam Aadmi clinics adding that it has helped the government in preparing a database for checking the various diseases prevalent in the state and combating them effectively.
