No idea about it: Badal on becoming next vice-president

Mohali, Apr 10: Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today sought to play down reports on his possible elevation as the next vice-president of the country saying he was not aware of the matter.

"I have no idea about it," he told reporters in Chappar Chiri near here, on the sidelines of a function where he administered oath of office and secrecy to 21 Chief Parliamentary Secretaries (CPS).

"At present I have no idea whether there are any plans to make me vice-president," he said. Badal also made it clear that he was "not interested" in becoming vice-president. A section of media had recently reported that Badal might become the next vice-president of India and speculation was rife when he assumed charge of Chief Minister of Punjab for a record fifth time last month.

Asked to comment on the tug of war between the Centre and Army Chief Gen V K Singh, he said, "Tt is not in the interest of the country and such things should not happen."

Describing his fifth term as "golden period" for Punjab, he said the Akali-BJP government would further accelerate the development initiatives for all-round prosperity of the state. Badal also rubbished suggestions that the appointments of 21 CPSs would put additional burden on the state's finances. "In fact the CPSs will further help in speedy development of the state," he added.

PTI