Sukhbir Singh Badal cancels his Canada visit, targets Congress

Punjab's Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal has cancelled his visit to Canada in wake of the Canadian Government's refusal to provide security to him during his official visit.

Badal, who is also the chief of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), told media here today that it was unfortunate on part of the Canadian Government as it failed to provide security and protocol.

"I was going to Canada. The Government of India and the Canadian Government has clearly written to Punjab Government that we cannot provide you security and protocol. So, this is very unfortunate," said Badal.

"I am heading a government and if the government of that country says we do not provide protocol and security then it's not right. We are not begging them to go. As a head of the state when their ministers come, their people come we provide them with full protocol and security," he added.

Badal was scheduled to visit Canada on September 18.

According to reports, the Canadian Government had written to New Delhi about its inability to provide security to Badal for his visit. It is believed that some Sikh bodies were planning to stage protests during Badal's visit.

Meanwhile, Badal lashed out at the ruling Congress Party, saying it has ruined the country.

"Punjab is in a 1000 times better position than Government of India. The Government of India is in crisis. This Prime Minister and this Congress Government has ruined the country," he added.