Chandigarh:
As Punjab goes to vote today, it is expected to be a very close fight for power between the Akali Dal and Congress. The elections in Punjab this time has been characterised by family feuds with both sides on the divide. If the ruling Akalis have Sukhbir Badal against Manpreet and Parkash Singh Badal against Gurdas Badal, the Congress has Amarinder Singh against Malvinder.
The Congress led by former chief minister Amarinder Singh has levelled major charges of corruption and mis-governance against the government of Parkash Singh Badal. The Congress is also taking heart in the fact that Punjab has never voted a party back to power in over four decades and the Sukhbir-Manpreet spat is more than likely to cost the Akalis some votes, if not seats. However, chief minister Parkash singh Badal is confident and told NDTV that his government is definitely coming back again.
NDTV: Are you nervous that in the history of Punjab, parties form govt alternatively?
Parkash Singh Badal: This time we are definitely coming again. We have done so much for development and communal harmony in every field. What we have done in five years, Congress could not do in 50 years.
NDTV: You are a religious person. How are you going to start your day? I am sure you have a little Gurudwara in your house.
Parkash Singh Badal: Every day my routine is the same - at about 5:30 or 6 I get up, then I excercise for an hour or so, cycling, then I take bath and do path..5 Baanis, take breakfast and go to work.
NDTV: Last polling I saw you coming with your brother Gurudas Badal to the polling station. It was Ram-Laxman ki jodi, that's what many would say, but this time it's the opposite. He's contesting against you.
Parkash Singh Badal: I have the same affection for him but circumstances have complelled him to do this. He himself was not keen to stand in the elections and actually wanted to help me in this but Manpreet episode you know, that compelled him.
NDTV: it is going to be a long one month. How are you going to spend this time?
Parkash Singh Badal: Government work doesn't stop. I have to look after development, scheme, sanctioning process.
NDTV: May sense Sukhbeer emerging as a strong leader. His staure has grown in Punjab politics and national scene as well. Don't you think it's time, that even Akali chiefs would like to see him as CM of punjab?
Parkash Singh Badal: It's upto the party. Whatever the party decided, Sukhbir and I have to follow the same thing. My name was announced by Sukhbir himself in a big meeting. I never expected this announcement but as President of Akali he announced this and BJP endorsed this.
NDTV: Initially you were a bit reluctant to contest the elections?
Parkash Singh Badal: I am a fully satisfied man, done my duty but if my party asks me for anything I can't refuse it.
NDTV: I realise you are looking very calm, this is the polling day. How are you going to spend the entire day today?
Parkash Singh Badal: People will come .. meetings.. this is for only one day..then I will go to Chandigarh and work for the government..no relaxation. The work of the State doesn't stop.. it doesn't stop.
The Congress led by former chief minister Amarinder Singh has levelled major charges of corruption and mis-governance against the government of Parkash Singh Badal. The Congress is also taking heart in the fact that Punjab has never voted a party back to power in over four decades and the Sukhbir-Manpreet spat is more than likely to cost the Akalis some votes, if not seats. However, chief minister Parkash singh Badal is confident and told NDTV that his government is definitely coming back again.
NDTV: Are you nervous that in the history of Punjab, parties form govt alternatively?
Parkash Singh Badal: This time we are definitely coming again. We have done so much for development and communal harmony in every field. What we have done in five years, Congress could not do in 50 years.
NDTV: You are a religious person. How are you going to start your day? I am sure you have a little Gurudwara in your house.
Parkash Singh Badal: Every day my routine is the same - at about 5:30 or 6 I get up, then I excercise for an hour or so, cycling, then I take bath and do path..5 Baanis, take breakfast and go to work.
NDTV: Last polling I saw you coming with your brother Gurudas Badal to the polling station. It was Ram-Laxman ki jodi, that's what many would say, but this time it's the opposite. He's contesting against you.
Parkash Singh Badal: I have the same affection for him but circumstances have complelled him to do this. He himself was not keen to stand in the elections and actually wanted to help me in this but Manpreet episode you know, that compelled him.
NDTV: it is going to be a long one month. How are you going to spend this time?
Parkash Singh Badal: Government work doesn't stop. I have to look after development, scheme, sanctioning process.
NDTV: May sense Sukhbeer emerging as a strong leader. His staure has grown in Punjab politics and national scene as well. Don't you think it's time, that even Akali chiefs would like to see him as CM of punjab?
Parkash Singh Badal: It's upto the party. Whatever the party decided, Sukhbir and I have to follow the same thing. My name was announced by Sukhbir himself in a big meeting. I never expected this announcement but as President of Akali he announced this and BJP endorsed this.
NDTV: Initially you were a bit reluctant to contest the elections?
Parkash Singh Badal: I am a fully satisfied man, done my duty but if my party asks me for anything I can't refuse it.
NDTV: I realise you are looking very calm, this is the polling day. How are you going to spend the entire day today?
Parkash Singh Badal: People will come .. meetings.. this is for only one day..then I will go to Chandigarh and work for the government..no relaxation. The work of the State doesn't stop.. it doesn't stop.
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