No differences with Sidhu, says Sukhbir

Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal on Sunday said he has no differences with Bharatiya Janata Party member of Parliament from Amritsar Navjot Singh Sidhu, who recently alleged slow pace of development works in his parliamentary constituency.

Talking to reporters here, Badal, also the Shiromani Akali Dal president, promised his party's full support to any candidate put up by the BJP from Amritsar in coming Lok Sabha polls. Asked about differences with Sidhu, who after a long time shared platform with Badal at a public function here, the SAD chief said his party has due regards for Sidhu and his wife, Navjot Kaur.

Navjot is Chief Parliamentary Secretary (Health) in the SAD-BJP government. "There are no differences (with Sidhu)," Sukhbir said. Sidhu, who also features in a comedy show on TV, has in the recent past alleged slow pace of development works in Amritsar.

The cricketer-turned-politician has further alleged that his Amritsar Lok Sabha constituency has been neglected by the SAD government.

The deputy chief minister, who inaugurated a bridge at Kitchlu Nagar Chowk at a cost of Rs 20 crore, sought to put to rest all speculation regarding swapping of seats between his party and its ally BJP in Punjab for Lok Sabha elections.

He said as per existing terms of the alliance, the Amristar seat is with the BJP and no discussions have taken place for its swapping so far.

Sukhbir categorically said the SAD will extend full support to any candidate fielded by the BJP from Amritsar in Lok Sabha elections.