Sidhu's party a bunch of fugitives and defectors: Badal

Mohali, Sep 8: Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today dismissed 'Awaaz e Punjab' formed by ex-BJP MP Navjot Singh Sidhu as a "bunch of fugitives and defectors", and said people who had "deceived" their mother party could never be loyal to the state and its people.

He said Sidhu and his associates, including Pargat Singh, do not have any vision or commitment for the well being of Punjab.

Talking to reporters on the sidelines of a state-level function here, the Chief Minister said nothing could be expected from those who have backstabbed their parties for the lust of power.

Reacting strongly to Sidhu's no-holds barred attack on the state government, Badal questioned why he didn't raise issues while he and his wife were part of the government.

"The former MP from Amritsar was just issuing baseless and irrational statements just for the sake of scoring brownie points before media," he said.

Sidhu had today said "'kaale Badal' (dark clouds) have overshadowed Punjab and people are keen to see sunlight".

"People elect government for themselves and not for a family," Sidhu had said, alleging that Badals have made Punjab and the party as their family fiefdom.

Badal also termed AAP as a party of "scandals" and said its the "internal tug of war would lead to the party tearing itself apart".

PTI