<p>As Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal Thursday gave a grant of Rs.one crore to his alma mater, Lawrence School-Sanawar, allegations and counter-allegations flew thick and fast. <br /><br />The Punjab Congress accused the deputy chief minister of "squandering tax payers money" while the ruling Shiromani Akali Dal invoked nationalism, saying that the Congress was being parochial and remained "hell bent on dividing the country along regional lines".<br /><br />Taking a "serious note" of the objections raised by some leaders of the Punjab Congress, the Akali Dal explained that the grant was offered to "a school of national heritage importance in Himachal Pradesh".<br /><br />Akali Dal secretary and spokesperson Daljit Singh Cheema said: "It is surprising that the Congress party, which pretends to preach the spirit of nationalism, is behaving in an altogether opposite way just for petty political gains. <br /><br />The statement of the Punjab Congress spokesman is clearly an attempt to divide the country on regional lines and create a feeling of hatred among people of neighbouring states."<br /><br />Sukhbir Badal, who studied in the elite boarding school till 1980 and was the chief guest at the founder's day function Thursday, maintained that there was nothing wrong in giving the grant.<br /><br />"What is the duty of heads of governments? We give grants to schools, hospitals. Is not Himachal Pradesh a part of India? I have seen chief ministers giving grants to states other than their own. I went to Ladakh and gave a grant to a school there. </p>.<p><br />The criticism for this move shows only the frustration of the Congress leaders. It (giving grants) is a cabinet decision of the government of Punjab," Sukhbir Badal told reporters as he visited his alma mater in Sanawar, 60 km from here.<br /><br />Cheema said: "What is wrong if Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal offers a token of appreciation to a reputed school that promotes quality education? <br /><br />The school is the alma mater of several luminaries, and even now, a large number of students from Punjab go to Sanawar. The mischief of the Congress party will cause students from Himachal Pradesh to feel hatred for those from other states."<br /><br />Congress leader and former legislator Sukhpal Singh Khaira, who first raised the issue Wednesday, said that Badal was trying to mislead people with "lies". <br /><br />"Why doesn't he give the grant from profits he makes from running his five-star hotel and his buses? Why is public money being given to an elite school in another state?" Khaira had asked.<br /><br />"The 18,397 government schools of Punjab are in a pitiable condition. Children have to squat on the floor, there are no toilets and safe drinking water is not available to students. There are schools with no teachers. <br /><br />Had Badal given this grant to the primary schools of the state, we could have improved the condition of at least two dozen schools," Khaira said, demanding a withdrawal of the grant. <br /></p>
<p>As Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal Thursday gave a grant of Rs.one crore to his alma mater, Lawrence School-Sanawar, allegations and counter-allegations flew thick and fast. <br /><br />The Punjab Congress accused the deputy chief minister of "squandering tax payers money" while the ruling Shiromani Akali Dal invoked nationalism, saying that the Congress was being parochial and remained "hell bent on dividing the country along regional lines".<br /><br />Taking a "serious note" of the objections raised by some leaders of the Punjab Congress, the Akali Dal explained that the grant was offered to "a school of national heritage importance in Himachal Pradesh".<br /><br />Akali Dal secretary and spokesperson Daljit Singh Cheema said: "It is surprising that the Congress party, which pretends to preach the spirit of nationalism, is behaving in an altogether opposite way just for petty political gains. <br /><br />The statement of the Punjab Congress spokesman is clearly an attempt to divide the country on regional lines and create a feeling of hatred among people of neighbouring states."<br /><br />Sukhbir Badal, who studied in the elite boarding school till 1980 and was the chief guest at the founder's day function Thursday, maintained that there was nothing wrong in giving the grant.<br /><br />"What is the duty of heads of governments? We give grants to schools, hospitals. Is not Himachal Pradesh a part of India? I have seen chief ministers giving grants to states other than their own. I went to Ladakh and gave a grant to a school there. </p>.<p><br />The criticism for this move shows only the frustration of the Congress leaders. It (giving grants) is a cabinet decision of the government of Punjab," Sukhbir Badal told reporters as he visited his alma mater in Sanawar, 60 km from here.<br /><br />Cheema said: "What is wrong if Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal offers a token of appreciation to a reputed school that promotes quality education? <br /><br />The school is the alma mater of several luminaries, and even now, a large number of students from Punjab go to Sanawar. The mischief of the Congress party will cause students from Himachal Pradesh to feel hatred for those from other states."<br /><br />Congress leader and former legislator Sukhpal Singh Khaira, who first raised the issue Wednesday, said that Badal was trying to mislead people with "lies". <br /><br />"Why doesn't he give the grant from profits he makes from running his five-star hotel and his buses? Why is public money being given to an elite school in another state?" Khaira had asked.<br /><br />"The 18,397 government schools of Punjab are in a pitiable condition. Children have to squat on the floor, there are no toilets and safe drinking water is not available to students. There are schools with no teachers. <br /><br />Had Badal given this grant to the primary schools of the state, we could have improved the condition of at least two dozen schools," Khaira said, demanding a withdrawal of the grant. <br /></p>