In a show of strength, former Punjab finance minister Manpreet Singh Badal organised a rally at his constituency Gidderbaha in Punjab’s Muktsar district on Saturday.
Manpreet, who was dropped from the cabinet by his uncle and CM Parkash Singh Badal on October 13 following his critical comments on the state’s fiscal health and cousin and Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal’s “corporate” style of functioning, has won four consecutive elections from Gidderbaha.
“I came here to meet my people, who did not let me down in four elections,” he told his supporters. “Now if you want, I am ready to resign as MLA.”
“I tried my best to bring the state out of the fiscal crisis. I have put my political career at stake for Punjab’s sake. Sacking me from the cabinet was my political murder, since I worked for the state’s welfare,” an emotional Manpreet said, appealing for support.
Several local Akali leaders, however, stayed away from the rally.
Unidentified people reportedly ransacked Manpreet’s former office in Chandigarh on Friday evening.