SAD(A) to decide on alliance this week: Mann

Jalandhar, June 1 (UNI) Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) will take a decision this week on alliance with friendly parties for the next assembly elections in Punjab.

Talking to reporters here today the party president, former MP Simranjit Singh Mann said that most political parties, other thay non-Congress and non-SAD (Badal)-BJP combine, were interested in forging an alliance with his party. He refused to name the parties saying an announcement in this regard would be made soon.

Mr Mann also opposed the state government's move of transferring agriculture land to Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) ''at a very low price''. He said if industrialists were interested in setting up projects in the state, they should be asked to purchase land at market rates directly from farmers.

He also reiterated his party's resolve to participate in the function being organised by the SGPC to commemorate the anniversary of 'Operation Bluestar' on June six. The SAD (Amritsar) will also take part in the martyrdom anniversay of Guru Arjan Dev to be observed by the SGPC at Tarn Taran on June 16.

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