No action against Tohra: Badal

PADHRI (AMRITSAR), Dec 17: Even as the deciplinary action committee (DAC) of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has issued show cause notice to Gu...

PADHRI (AMRITSAR), Dec 17: Even as the deciplinary action committee (DAC) of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has issued show cause notice to Gurcharan Singh Tohra, the party president and Chief Minister Parkah Singh Badal today categorically stated that he was not taking any disciplinary action against the former.

While talking to newsmen here after addressing his first public meeting after breaking out of conflict with SGPC president, Badal said he had full respect for Tohra and ministers who had resigned. Replying to a question of taking disciplinary action against SGPC president, Badal said, “I was not taking any action”.

He said even demand of resignation from Tohra by 10 members of SGPC executive was their own. He said, “I have no connection with resignation demand.

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When attention of Badal was called towards presence of SGPC members, he said that they were sitting there and it would be better ask them on the resignation demand. He said he didn’t want to interfere in the affairs of SGPC.

He denied that Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee had called him on telephone to pursue to sort out differences with Tohra.

Badal said there was no question of split in the party. “Why party shall split”, he made a counter question. He said he had met Akal Takht Jathedar Bhai Ranjit Singh last evening on courtesy call and no political matter was discussed. Bhai Ranjit Singh, however, has stated contrary.

Regarding cabinet approval to draft bill on Uttranchal for discussion in the Lok Sabha, Badal said decision on inclusion of Udham Singh Nagar couldn’t be taken without report of three member committee headed by George Fernandes. He said next meeting of committee would be held after one month. He said they might finalise report after two more meetings.

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Earlier, at public meeting Badal warned the bureaucracy and police of strict disciplinary action in case their failing to address the grievances of “SAD and BJP” workers in the state.

He said it was shameful for Congress party that it had made a foreigner Sonia Gandhi president of their party. He said she didn’t know about ground problems of people. Ridiculing her, Badal said she cann’t differentiate between rice and wheat and neither she understand the culture of India. He said people of Punjab couldn’t support such a party.