SUKHBIR SINGH BADAL: I took on major responsibilities in the Shiromani Akali Dal about two years before the Assembly elections. The polls were contested on an economic agenda. Punjab suffers from a location disadvantage: we are landlocked, have inadequate infrastructure and are surrounded by states that have massive tax exemptions. Once we came to power, the question was how to push the state forward. The first thing was to upgrade infrastructure. We are working on multiple fronts, including power, aviation, education, roads, irrigation and housing. People often ask me that despite so much planning, there are no tangible results. You have to understand that planning takes a long time. Implementation comes at the end and is relatively fast. I have been ridiculed for what people dub as “big talk”. As per my vision, Punjab should be producing 10,000 MW of power in the next four years. People say it as foolhardy, considering that the entire country’s target is 40,000 MW. But my abiding philosophy in life is that you can achieve big results only if you think big. The times have changed. Twenty years ago, the government would decide where a company should invest. Today, the investor decides and the government’s role is to facilitate.

•MANEESH CHIBBER: One hears a lot about you taking over as chief minister. When is that happening?

There should be no ambiguity in the fact that Parkash Singh Badal is the chief minister and will continue to be so. There were some incorrect reports from Day One that I wanted to be chief minister. This talk about my “imminent ascension” amuses me. I must thank the media that their speculation ensures that I remain in the spotlight.

... contd.