The differences between the ruling Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and its major ally BJP in Punjab today came out in the open with the saffron party alleging that it was being "consistently ignored" by the Akalis on "pertinent" matters, including developmental issues.
Senior BJP leaders said the party is unhappy with the SAD on the issue of distribution of Rs 733 crores meant for upgrading of basic amenities in municipalities.
"On the issue of spending funds for developments, the constituencies and areas ruled by BJP are being ignored...
There is difference in allocation of money meant for development purposes," local government minister Manoranjan Kalia told reporters here.
He said the party has taken up the matter with chief minister Parkash Singh Badal and it is under consideration.
BJP leader Laxmi Kanta Chawla, who is also the state health minister, said the recent appointment of Punjab Health System (PHS) vice chairman was made by Badal without her knowledge.
When asked about the former militant Gurdeep Singh appointment as the PHS vice chairman, a post which falls under
her ministry, Chawla feigned ignorance on the issue.
"I don't even know when the appointment has been made," she said.
Chawla rued that the chief minister had returned her letter in which she had demanded that over 80 doctors from Punjab on deputation in Chandigarh for more than five years be sent back to their parent state.
"I wrote a letter to the chief minister drawing his attention on the issue...my letter was returned," she said.
Meanwhile, SAD sources claimed that its alliance with the BJP is going strong and there is no crisis between them.
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