Food Security Ordinance a copied act: Parkash Singh Badal

Kharar: Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal on Sunday termed the Centre`s Food Security Ordinance as a "copied act".

Speaking here after attending a function to mark the death anniversary of BSP leader Maan Singh Manhera, the Chief Minister said the SAD-BJP government in Punjab has been providing food security to the poor through its Atta-Dal scheme for long and termed the Ordinance as a "copied act", according to an official release. However, Badal categorically said the state government would not hesitate to implement any scheme which was in the larger interest of the poor. Blaming the Congress-led UPA government at the Centre for the country`s "pity condition," he said writing was on the wall that after the next general elections, BJP-led NDA alliance would come to power. "Current political scenario of the country was a clear indication that people are fed up with UPA`s policies," he said alleging, "Rampant corruption coupled with exorbitant hike in costs of essential commodities has made people`s life miserable." On Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda`s claim on Chandigarh, Badal reiterated that only Punjab has the legitimate right over the city and said Hooda must desist from making "frivolous statements." Earlier, the Chief Minister paid rich tributes to Manhera and recalled his services for upliftment of poor and weaker sections of the society. PTI