Former Punjab minister Anil Joshi set to join SAD

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, August 17

Former cabinet minister Anil Joshi, who was expelled from BJP last month, is all set to join the Shiromani Akali Dal on Friday.

Joshi confirmed the development. While talking to The Tribune, he said that he is joining unconditionally. "I have always served people, so I am joining without asking for any designation or assurance," he said.

Sources say he is likely to be fielded by SAD from Amritsar North in the upcoming state Assembly elections. Joshi won from the seat twice. There are several other leaders who, along with Joshi, are also likely to join the SAD. 

However, he evaded the question about his sour relations with SAD leadership during the last government (2012-17), when he held the portfolio of Local Bodies and Medical Education and Research. "I will speak about all the issues after August 20," he said.

Joshi was expelled from the BJP last month for publicly airing his views regarding the farm laws and criticising the state leadership. After his expulsion, Joshi had visited the farmers at the Singhu border.