Washington, Untied States (April 28, 2014): A US based NGO, Sikh Council on Religion and Education (SCORE) has appealed to people of Punjab to elect candidates for Indian parliament who display qualities which would make them the rightful representatives of the state’s interests. Punjab and many other states go on polls for parliament on April 30.
In a written statement sent to the Sikh Siyasat News (SSN), Dr. Rajwant Singh, Chairman of SCORE, said, “Current elections are very critical for the future of the state. Punjab is suffering from many ills such as rise of drug abuse, decline in the state of education, downward turn in the economy due to lack of proper investments in industry and technology and catastrophic environmental degradation leading to serious health problems among masses. It is important the people elect people who are visionaries, honest, have the necessary skills to debate and deliberate on these serious challenges facing the state. Another five years of ineffective leaders leading the interests the state will be disastrous for the future of Punjab and Punjabis.
Inder Paul Singh Gadh, Chairman of the Washington based Guru Gobind Singh Foundation, said, “People in Punjab have an opportunity to make the best choice and elect the right person to the parliament this time. Sikhs must rise above petty issues such as caste, personal gains, drugs, alcohol, and vote for a party or candidates who are honest, educated, serious on their issues and have a track record to prove it. Before the curtain falls over them for another five years, it’s their duty to use the occasion wisely and to protect their next generation from the ills our youth have been lured into.
Dr. Rajwant Singh further stated, “According to recent studies, over 70 percent of young people are drug addicts. 25 percent of total population of 28 million people in Punjab is between the age of 15-35 which is about 7 million. 70 percent of 7 million is 5 million people (50 Lakhs) who are suffering with incapacitating drug abuse and which have rendered them unfit. This is a whopping number and poses a spectacular socio-economic disaster for the state. So in light of this human created tragedy, what is the responsibility of the people of Punjab? We appeal to all Punjabis regardless of their religion, caste and party affinity to take a serious look at the candidate and make a thoughtful decision keeping the future of Punjab in mind.”