Plot to assassinate me, my son Sukhbir: Ex-Punjab CM Parkash Singh Badal

Former Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal on Sunday accused Punjab government of encouraging radical elements and claimed that there was a plot to assassinate him and his son Sukhbir Badal.

"I have been informed by the police about a plot to assassinate me and my son. But we neither frighten others nor are going to be frightened by such reports or threats," Badal said at the Shiromani Akali Dal's 'Jabar Virodh Rally' in Faridkot town of Punjab.

"I am ready to sacrifice myself and my son Sukhbir (Shiromani Akali Dal chief) for the cause of peace and communal harmony in the state," Badal added.

"The Khalsa Panth represents a history of sacrifices for upholding the values of peace, communal harmony and 'Sarbat da bhala' as enshrined in the teachings of Sikh Gurus," he said.

Badal accused the Congress government of encouraging radical elements and thus risking peace in Punjab.

"The Congress is in collusion with forces that put Punjab through a period of turmoil, violence and bloodshed. It is the same old nexus between the Congress and some elements rejected by the Khalsa Panth who are now masquerading as panthic. They are up to their old games and conspiracies," the veteran Akali leader said.

Badal's Shiromani Akali Dal has been accusing Congress Chief Minister Amarinder Singh as well as the Aam Aadmi Party of having “nexus with ISI-backed radical Sikh leaders”.