The CM, who had sought more powers for the states, had found his assertions not going down well with the BJP, which had found the resolution “divisive” in nature. Badal, who was speaking to mediapersons after Vikas Yatra rally here, said he was upset that the Akalis’ feelings on the issue were not being understood in the right spirit. He flayed the media for generating unnecessary heat on the issue.

“I will not discuss this matter and you should not pose any questions to me,” said Badal, virtually standing up from the press conference. Badal was being accused of using the issue as a red herring before the parliamentary polls to divert people’s attention from Sukhbir’s elevation. About the coalition ties, he said, “There is no friction between us over this or any other issue. The coalition is in its strongest form and together we will trounce the Congress.” On the other hand, BJP’s Punjab in-charge Balbir Punj here today said they had ideological differences with the Akalis on the issue of Anandpur Sahib resolution. “Our stand is same as was in the past. Akalis may support the resolution, but we are against it,” he said.

However, he also said that there was no problem in the coalition, as Akalis understood their reservations on the issue. Badal distributed cheques of over Rs 10 crore for the development of the area.

He was accompanied by former minister and MLA Bikram Singh Majithia, MP Rattan Singh Ajnala, MLAs, Harmit Sandhu, Malkit Singh AR and Manjit Singh Manna.