INLD announces support for Badal in Punjab polls

Chandigarh, Jan 21 (UNI) The Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) today decided to support the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), led by former chief minister Prakash Singh Badal, to defeat the Congress in the Punjab assembly elections to be held on February 13.

This decision was taken at a meeting of the political affairs committee of the INLD held here. The meeting was chaired by the INLD president and former Haryana chief minister Om Prakash Chautala.

Later talking to mediapersons here, Mr Chatuala said that INLD leaders and workers would fan out into the constituencies and districts along the Punjab-Haryana border to solicit support for SAD nominees. ''The Congress had only promoted hunger and corruption in the country,'' he alleged.

''In Punjab, the only alternative to the Congress was SAD, so the INLD will support the latter,'' he said, adding that ensuring the defeat of the Congress was high on his party's agenda. He predicted with the defeat of the Congress in Punjab, the political scenario in the rest of the country would undergo a change and mid-term Lok Sabha polls would be held this year.

Mr Chautala disclosed that he himself would campaign for the SAD candidate in Bhadaur assembly segment on January 23 and the following day he would tour Lehra Gagga constituency.He said that INLD workers would tour Punjab in their own vehicles to campaign for the SAD.

UNI