We have more Hindu MLAs than the Congress does: Naresh Gujral

On the three-way fight in the state
This is the first time that there are three contenders and, with people looking for change, there is obviously an anti-incumbency factor. But we are confident the amount of good work our government has done will see us through. We have just released a film on our achievements and have vans travelling to constituencies to screen it to people. Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal regularly visits constituencies for Sangat Darshan; problems of people are addressed and solved right there.

Read: Punjab is ready for a change, says Captain Amarinder Singh

On the drug abuse menace
Globally, governments have used sports movements to tackle the menace of narcotics among the youth — and we are doing the same. To channelise the energy of young people in a positive direction, we have propagated kabaddi in Punjab, which is now a very popular game among young people in villages.

There is a huge demand for gyms that are being set up by the government or by MPs. Besides, we are also providing broadband connectivity in all villages, keeping the youth in mind. The government is also following a zero-tolerance policy towards offenders.

On farmer distress as an election issue
It was at our behest that the government of India has allowed 100% FDI in marketing of food products. This, we feel, will be a game-changer for Punjab’s farmers as the markets will now come to their doorsteps. It will help our farmers move beyond the rice-wheat cycle and allow foreign players with deep pockets to bring their expertise to the state.

Read: Punjab assembly polls: Overseas Sikhs, Punjabis emerge as key influencers

On the AAP threat
The AAP doesn’t have any positive vote in Punjab — even in the Lok Sabha polls they got negative votes against us and the Congress. We provide free electricity to farmers, will the AAP be able to do that? Besides, we are no longer seen as a Panthic Sikh party and have more Hindu MLAs than the Congress does. The youth is attracted to us because of our development agenda.