Dera row a conspiracy by anti-Akali forces: Badal

BATHINDA: Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal on Saturday said the Dera Sacha Sauda row was a "deep-rooted" conspiracy by anti-national and anti-Akaliforces who were out to "destabilise" the state.

"Some vested interests want to drag Punjab in the fire of Derawaad," he told reporters here.

"The state government is trying its best to resolve the problem as soon as possible, Badal said asserting nobody would be allowed to disturb peace and tranquillity in Punjab.

On Presidential election, the SAD supremo said "we are in support of independent nominee Bhairon Singh Shekhawat."

On Guru Gobind Singh refinery project, the Chief Minister said his government had started work on it. The project would provide employment to more than 1.5 lakh people besides generating extra income for the state, he said.

To a question on Manmohan Singh government, Badal it was very supportive on the issue of development of Punjab.