World | India
Minister-legislator feud embarrasses Akali-BJP alliance
An embarrassing tiff between a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) minister and an Akali Dal legislator on Tuesday saw more drama when Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal took the legislator to the minister's home to tender an "unconditional apology".
- IANS
- Published: 22:56 June 23, 2009
Chandigarh: An embarrassing tiff between a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) minister and an Akali Dal legislator on Tuesday saw more drama when Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal took the legislator to the minister's home to tender an "unconditional apology".
Badal took Sarabjit Singh Makkar to Industries and Local Government Minister Manoranjan Kalia's official residence here.
Though Badal refused to say anything after the meeting, Kalia said Makkar came with the chief minister to tender an "unconditional apology".
However, Kalia remained evasive when asked if he had forgiven the legislator who had used abusive language against him at his residence last week, and also if the ties between the Akali Dal and the BJP had hit a new low.
The Akali Dal and the BJP are running an alliance government in Punjab since March 2007. The Akalis, who do not have a simple majority in the 117-member state assembly, are dependent on the support of 19 BJP legislators to remain in power.
Kalia said: "Now what can I do if someone comes to your home and stands beside you with folded hands? Makkar has asked for unconditional apology from me."
"Parkash Singh Badal is well aware of that wrong-doing. That is why he himself came to my home," added Kalia.
On the issue of differences between the alliance partners, Kalia said: "Differences are there but at this time I cannot comment on this issue."
Makkar, who represents Adampur assembly segment near Jalandhar, said: "There are no ill feelings between me and Kalia and we have cleared everything in today's meeting. He is just like my elder brother and in future also I would continue to visit his home frequently."
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