Centre may go for early Lok Sabha polls: Sidhu

Our Correspondent

Phagwara, June 16

Navjot Singh Sidhu, Minister of Local Government, Tourism, Cultural Affairs, and Museums of Punjab has said the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre is likely to go for early Lok Sabha and Assembly elections of the state simultaneously excluding Punjab.

He said Rahul Gandhi would be the next Prime Minister. He said an alliance of the Congress and other “secular” parties would be formed across the country.

The next general elections are due by May next year.

Talking to journalists here on Friday, Sidhu said Rs 590 crore was being spent on developing 30 tourist hubs in the state.

“After consulting the Chief Minister, I am going to invite international tour operators from UK, US and Canada in December,” he said.

Sidhu said the people of the state had rejected Badals and now they should leave politics. Replying to a question about the Local Bodies Department, Sidhu said corrupt officers would not be allowed to fill their own pockets. Replying about future action against Jalandhar MC Commissioner, the minister said it was not in the preview of his powers but he would talk to Chief Minister against erring officers.