Badal was here to attend a function organised by a media group, where he presented Hamdard Award to veteran journalist Kuldip Nayar for his contribution to the field of journalism.

When asked why an MLA of the ruling alliance was opposing the senior police officer appointed by his government, Badal, visibly upset over the question, reiterated that the MLAs should refrain from making such statements in front of the media.

Notably, Batala MLA Jagdish Sahni had threatened to gherao the office of SSP RN Dhoke in case police failed to arrest Navtej Singh, who allegedly assaulted BJP district president Naresh Mahajan about a month ago.

Sahni had alleged that the police were not arresting Navtej, son of an NRI and an accused in 12 other criminal cases, and he was moving openly in the area and creating panic.

When asked about the unfulfilled promises made by his government to the industrialists and property dealers, who were up in arms against the advanced electricity bills and a hike in collector rates, respectively, Badal said he would hold their meeting on January 7.

When Badal was asked whether Punjabi language would be made compulsory in all the schools of the state after passing of an Act, Badal said they would think about it.

Earlier, while speaking at the function, Badal praised the Punjabis, saying that Punjab was divided many a time, but its spirited residents made their presence felt not only in the country but also abroad.

Punjabis, speak Punjabi: Nayar