Will eliminate Punjab''s problems if given a chance: Manpreet

Jalandhar, Jan 16 (PTI) Terming corruption, unemployment,poverty and drug abuse as "poisonous" problems in Punjab,former finance minister and rebel Akali leader Manpreet SinghBadal said if given a chance, he will eliminate thesenuisances from the state.

"Corruption, unemployment, poverty and drug abuse arejust like a disease and all of us will have to deal withthem," he said while speaking at a conference organised byPunjab''s People''s Party here today.

"I love the soil of Punjab and want to experiment so asto create a new Punjab for which I need people''s support.

Bihar has got success in this respect where people have roseabove narrow considerations of caste, religion and party. Nowit is Punjab''s turn," Manpreet said.

I have not come here to ask for votes but on getting anopportyunity will change the fate of Punjab, he said.

A revolution is needed to bring a change in the state andif Punjab''s youth come together then anything is possible, headded.

Earlier, speaking with reporters, Manpreet said he wassatisfied with people''s response during the first phase of his''Jago Punjab Yatra'' which concluded at Maghi Mela in Muktsar.

The second phase will start from January 21 and willcover two third state Assembly constituencies while 30constituencies have already been covered in the first phase,he said.

A new political outfit will be formed at the closing ofsecond phase of the yatra on March 23 at Khadkar Kala,Manpreet said, adding, he may resign from the LegislativeAssembly before the announcement.

On the question of courting his father Gurudas Badalagainst Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal from Lambiconstituency, he said all the options were open.