He did not agree to BJP’s claim that this was ‘a separatist document’. He added that the document would not affect their cordial relations with BJP.

Sukhbir said the government is planning to open 20 driving schools in all districts. “Private partners like Tata Automobiles and Ashok Leyland will train the aspirants and issue driving licences.” Sukhbir added that to reduce corruption, nearly 50 government works were being outsourced.

Deputy CM acquitted in assault case
The court of Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate D.S. Johal today acquitted SAD (B) chief and Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal in an assault case registered against him and others in 1999 on the complaint of photo journalist Ajay Verma.

The case was registered on the intervention of Punjab and Haryana Court. Sukhbir had been facing charges of robbery, assault and causing disappearance of evidence. Verma had alleged that he was beaten and his camera snatched, while he was clicking photographs of a damaged car during the alleged poll violence in 1999.

After assuming power in 2007 Assembly polls, Punjab government led by SAD (B) constituted a committee comprising Faridkot Deputy Commissioner, SSP and District Attorney to look into the allegations in the case. The committee submitted a report that the case against Sukhbir was fallout of political vendetta. Following this, the police moved an application in the court to withdraw charges against Sukhbir. Verma too stated before the court that he did not want to oppose the police request seeking withdrawal of charges.