Badal rules out patch-up
Tribune News Service

AMRITSAR, Oct 28 — Mr Parkash Singh Badal, Chief Minister, today set at rest all speculation on the probability of unity between the SAD and the Sarb Hind Shiromani Akali Dal led by Mr Gurcharan Singh Tohra with the announcement that "we cannot shake hands with the leadership of a party which was responsible for defeating Akali-BJP candidates."

Addressing a press conference here today, he said the leadership of the rival Akali factions worked hard to ensure the victory of Congress candidates.

Replying a question, Mr Badal said Bhai Ranjit Singh had also campaigned to ensure the victory of Congress candidates during the recently held Lok Sabha elections.

"Their victory is the victory of the Congress. Nothing else".

Mr Badal asked Mr Tohra to retire from politics, reminding him that he had stated prior to the poll that he would quit politics if candidates of the third front were defeated. Mr Badal said the security deposit of most candidates of the third front were forfeited.

Mr Badal said that the SAD could not forge unity with the SHSAD as it had helped the Congress during the elections which was the number one enemy of Punjabis and Punjabiat."

Earlier presiding over a function organised by the Chief Khalsa Dewan, the Chief Minister said top priority would be accorded to improving education facilities in the state by laying more stress on information technology, computer courses and technical education.

Illiteracy would be tackled by providing a better infrastructure for schools and colleges. All government primary schools in the state would be provided with new buildings and furniture in the coming year.

The Chief Minister lauded the role and contribution of the Chief Khalsa Dewan in providing quality education in rural and urban areas.

Mr Kirpal Singh, a former MP and President of the Chief Khalsa Dewan presented a cheque of Rs 3.58 lakh as donation towards the War Heroes Memorial Welfare Fund to Mr Badal.