Badal repeats promise to get Chandigarh

Earlier, former power minister and Akali leader Sikander Singh Malooka too blamed Congress for the 8220;smaller8221; size of the state. 8220;The Punjab state was demanded on the basis of language and not on the basis of Sikhs residing in the area,8221; Malooka said, adding that Punjabi-speaking areas extended up to Karnal and Ratia.

Meanwhile, concerned over the less than expected turnout of the people on the occasion, Badal said that from next year, the anniversary of Baba Fateh Singh would be celebrated on a large scale, on the lines of anniversary of Sant Longowal.

Responding to media queries, Badal flayed the recent Mumbai terror attack and said it would be better if the Centre strengthened the police in states rather than going in for a federal agency.

On being asked about reports of noone from the Badal family contesting the Lok Sabha polls, Badal said the matter was yet to be decided.

Those present on the occasion included Chief Parliamentary Secretary Jagdeep Singh Nakkai, Akali leader Amarjit Singh Sidhu and Bathinda Mayor Baljit Singh Beerbehman.