"We are not in a position to introduce any fare cut. We can do that on the instructions of the Central government. However, the bus fares in the state are already less as compared to the revised bus fares in states like Himachal Pradesh," the minister replied to a question in a press conference here today.

Master Mohan Lal, who had come to the city to preside over the inaugural function of a hospital at Sarabha Nagar, added that the Punjab Roadways was doing better than before and that the state government was able to bring down the financial burden of Rs 172 crore on the transport department to Rs 50 crore.

"We are going to be the first state with AC buses plying on its roads apart from AC bus stands," he said.

When asked whether BJP will seek support from Dera Sacha Sauda followers, he replied, "We are not going to leave any section, caste or deras for that matter. We are certainly going to garner support from the dera followers." Talking about Hukamnama passed by the Akal Takht against the party leader Navjot Singh Sidhu for siding with Dera in a recent development, the minister said the party would stand by their leader and it would make sure nothing happens to him.

While swearing by the commitment of the SAD-BJP alliance in the state in developing the health facilities, the minister also admitted the health services had deteriorated in the state over the years.