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Not joining congress: Manpreet

Putting to rest speculation of his joining the Congress, former Punjab finance minister Manpreet Singh Badal on Sunday categorically ruled out the option.

Updated on: Oct 17, 2010, 23:25:11 IST
Hindustan Times | By , Jalandhar
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Putting to rest speculation of his joining the Congress, former Punjab finance minister Manpreet Singh Badal on Sunday categorically ruled out the option.

HT Image
HT Image

"I haven't decided my next political move, but joining the Congress is definitely not an option," Manpreet, who was dropped from the state cabinet by his uncle and CM Parkash Singh Badal on October 13 following his critical comments on the state's fiscal health, said.

"My resignation was not pre-planned, as I was loyal to the party, and because of that I am yet to plan my political future," he said in Jalandhar.

Asked if Shiromani Akali Dal was in touch with him, he said: "Many MLAs are in touch with me, but I don't want to put them in trouble by naming them."

Accusing the SAD of adopting "cheap tricks", Manpreet said during the past three days his former office was ransacked, and attempts were made to stop people from attending his rally. "What is the SAD fearing? Why is it stooping so low?" he said.

Manpreet said the party had wrongly accused him of indiscipline. "I neither defied any party whip nor aligned with any opposition party. Does discussing financial issues of the state with the Union finance minister amount to indiscipline?"

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