Punjab CM Parkash Singh Badal comes out in support of a possible BJP govt in Delhi

Ludhiana, Sep 7: With moves being made for government formation in Delhi, Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal on Sunday said there was nothing wrong in BJP being invited to form the government, and dismissed the charges made by AAP and Congress that it promoted 'horse-trading'.

"There is nothing wrong or unconstitutional in this process. There is nothing wrong if BJP is asked to form the government (in Delhi)," 86-year-old Badal told reporters here while replying to questions pertaining to the issue.

Delhi's Lt Governor Najeeb Jung had recently sent a report to President Pranab Mukherjee seeking permission to call the single largest party to take a shot at power though it is well short of majority in the Assembly. Aam Aadmi Party and Congress have come down hard on Jung for his report and accused him of promoting "horse-trading".

Badal, chief patron of the SAD, a key ally of the BJP, said that having another state assembly election involves a huge burden on the exchequer and is legitimately avoidable.

"The single largest party, if asked to form a government has to prove its majority on the floor of the House during a specific period," the five-time Chief Minister, said. He was of the view that it was in the fitness of the the things to make an effort to form the government in Delhi.

Meanwhile, Badal said he hoped the Narendra Modi-led government at Centre would act differently from the previous UPA regime.

"Everyone knows that the previous government adopted attitude of discrimination and step-motherly treatment towards Punjab," he alleged.

The Chief Minister said he would be calling on the Prime Minister soon and taking up with him various issues concerning the state. Badal said he expects some relief measures for industry and agriculture in the state.

Stating that Punjab has been making big contribution to the food bowl of the country, he said, "The food requirements in respect of the Food Security Scheme also cannot be met without Punjab's contribution."

"The state's contribution on the food front, in freedom struggle and on the borders should be taken into account for giving relief to the state," he said.

PTI