Sangrur: Punjab finance minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Wednesday paid tribute to former SAD chief Sant Harchand Singh Longowal on his 41st death anniversary and accused the Shiromani Akali Dal of using his name to return to power while its govts brought “bad name” to the party amid drug supply and sacrilege incidents.Cheema said Longowal had sacrificed his life for Punjab’s peace and communal harmony, while SAD had come to power several times invoking his legacy. “Exactly 41 years ago, Sant Harchand Singh Longowal sacrificed his life for the peace and harmony of Punjab. His unparalleled sacrifice will never go in vain. Today, Punjab govt pays homage to his martyrdom by following the path of peace and communal harmony shown by him,” he said.Cheema was speaking at a blood donation camp organised by the Red Cross to mark Longowal’s death anniversary. Sabina Arora, wife of Punjab minister Aman Arora, was also present.Cheema said Punjab govt had made no attempt to suppress journalists or media houses and that citizens and the media had the right to express their views freely.On protests by various organisations, he said raising demands was their right. He said the cabinet sub-committee headed by him was holding regular meetings with organisations and had resolved several genuine demands.On DA arrears, Cheema said previous Akali-BJP and Congress govts had left more than Rs 14,000 crore pending. The AAP govt had presented a structured plan before the high court and paid around Rs 5,000-6,000 crore, he said, adding that the remaining amount would be released soon.
