AAP's victory in Delhi not to impact Punjab politics: Parkash Singh Badal

LUDHIANA: Noting that the people's mandate is supreme and it must be respected in a democratic set up, Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today said AAP's victory in Delhi Assembly polls would not impact Punjab politics.

Talking to media persons on the sidelines of a private function at the residence of district BJP President Parveen Bansal here today, the Chief Minister said, "Despite the fact that AAP managed to form a government in Delhi in 2013 as well but everyone knew well what happened later."

"AAP's victory was confined only to national capital and subsequently these political developments would not have impending repercussions on Punjab politics," he said.

However, Badal said the Shiromani Akali Dal will introspect over the factors responsible for its defeat in Delhi at party's platform.

To a query on whether AAP will be contesting 2017 Assembly elections in Punjab, the Chief Minister categorically said, "In Indian democratic system, all political parties have the right and are at liberty to contest these elections."

He said AAP had also earlier contested the 2014 General elections across the country.

He said SAD-BJP has always worked for the welfare and overall development of the state and that was why people of the state have always supported them. AAP last year won four Lok Sabha seats from Punjab- namely - Fatehgarh Sahib, Faridkot, Sangrur and Patiala.