Patiala, May 8
Punjab Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh on Friday inaugurated newly constructed hostels and residential facilities for nurses at Rajindra Hospital in Patiala, stating that the government is committed to improving working and living conditions for healthcare staff.
Addressing the media after the inauguration, the minister said nursing staff remain dedicated to patient care round the clock and deserve quality accommodation and essential facilities. He said the newly built hostels include amenities such as a gymnasium, dining facilities, and other modern conveniences for the staff.
Speaking about the “Shukrana Rally” scheduled for Saturday at Kasiana, Dr. Balbir Singh said Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is expected to reach the venue around 11 am.
The Health Minister also responded to recent comments made by Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia regarding the Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids conducted in Punjab. Alleging political links between the BJP and Majithia, Dr. Balbir Singh claimed that both parties had earlier governed together and accused them of contributing to the rise of drug abuse and gangster culture in the state.
He further said the Aam Aadmi Party government has fulfilled the guarantees promised to the people of Punjab, adding that the opposition parties are left with “nothing beyond criticism and political attacks.”
Launching a broader attack on the BJP, the minister alleged that the party has weakened regional political forces in several states wherever it gained power. He cited examples of Manipur, Madhya Pradesh, and Bihar, while also claiming that the BJP weakened the Shiromani Akali Dal in Punjab and regional parties in Haryana.
Dr. Balbir Singh also termed the BJP a “communal force” during his interaction with reporters.
On the issue of the Punjab Assembly Speaker, Kultar Singh Sandhwan, being summoned by the Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, the minister said Sandhwan had already appeared and would answer all questions raised before him.
