Former Punjab Minister Manpreet Singh Badal Joins BJP Hours After Quitting Congress

New Delhi: Senior Congress leader and former Finance Minister of Punjab, Manpreet Singh Badal joined the BJP hours after quitting the Congress Party on Wednesday.

He formally joined the party in the presence of several leaders, including Union Minister Piyush Goyal, at the BJP headquarters in Delhi.

Badal stated in his letter of resignation to Rahul Gandhi that he was “disillusioned” with the Congress.

“I devoted every ounce of energy to every office I have had the honour of holding, both in the party and the government. I thank you for having provided me these opportunities and for the kindness and courtesy you have shown me in the past,” he said in the letter that he posted on his Twitter handle.

“Regretfully, given the prevalent culture within the party and the defiant desire in the present course, I no longer wish to be a part of the Indian National Congress,” he added.

Manpreet Singh Badal, who also served as the Finance Minister in the previous Congress government, said, “Seven years ago, I merged the People’s Party of Punjab with your party. I did so with immense hope and an expectation of being integrated into an organisation with a rich history that would allow me to serve both the people of Punjab and its interests to the best of my ability.”

“Initial enthusiasm gradually gave way to disappointing disillusionment,” he furthered.