SAD will ever remain integral part of NDA: Parkash Singh Badal

Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal on Thursday said Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) was and would ever remain an integral part of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in future also.

Interacting with reporters on the sidelines of state level function to mark the 'Vishwakarma Day' here, he categorically said he had dedicated his entire life while struggling to safeguard the interests of Punjab and Punjabis.

"It was during this struggle that the ties of SAD with the NDA in general and BJP in particular were firmed up," he said.

Badal said the SAD-BJP alliance has "always stood the test of time" and added the alliance was everlasting and "both the parties should not be seen as different from each other".

He said the tried and tested alliance between both the parties was a unique phenomenon of the Indian democratic system, which has passed every litmus test in last few decades.

"The relationship between both the alliance partners was very strong, impeccable and cordial because it has been time and again cemented with mutual affection and understanding," he said.

Badal's statement assumes significance in the backdrop of reports that following the BJP's performance in assembly polls in Haryana and Maharashtra the saffron party, which is an ally of SAD in Punjab, would become more assertive in the government and not play second fiddle.

Expressing hope that BJP and Shiv Sena, respecting the verdict of people of Maharashtra, would form next government in that state, the Punjab Chief Minister said both the parties have similar ideology and they would certainly join hands to form the government in Maharashtra.

Badal termed the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance as the need of the hour to give fillip to overall development of Maharashtra.

Replying to a query, the Chief Minister said if extended an invitation he would surely attend the swearing-in ceremony of chief minister designate of Haryana Manohar Lal Khattar on coming Sunday.

SAD had contested assembly polls on two seats in Haryana in alliance with jailed leader Om Parkash Chautala's Indian National Lok Dal (INLD), much to the dismay of saffron party leaders in Haryana.