Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal thanks the voters at his residence in Badal village on Saturday. Tribune photo: Pawan Sharma

Archit Watts

Tribune News Service

Badal, March 11

SAD patron and Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal on Saturday after the election results started coming in said he accepts the verdict and would resign tomorrow by meeting the Governor in Chandigarh.In an interaction with media persons here, Badal said, “I accept the verdict. I will congratulate the winners from all political parties and tell the losers to work hard next time. I have never challenged anyone in the past neither I will do in future. These are cheap tactics.”He however did not speak about wishing his estranged cousin Manpreet Singh Badal who won from Bathinda Urban.On whether it was his last election, Badal maintained, “I never said it was my last election. The party is supreme for me. Whatever the party will decide I will go by that.”On the reasons of SAD’s defeat, Badal said, “The media is one of the main reasons. You people highlighted some unwanted issues but I am still grateful to you.”Asked whether the drugs issue was to be blamed for the poll defeat, he said, “You people belong to Bathinda and Muktsar districts. How many addicts or drug-dealers you have seen in these districts. The issue was highlighted out of proportion.”Badal however refused to speak on the SAD having support of Dera Sacha Sauda.“I will hold thanksgiving tour soon in my constituency and remain between the people all the time,” said Badal.He further said the SAD would continue fighting on the SYL canal issue.“Water is basic necessity of everyone. The SAD is the only party which can properly highlight the issue. The Congress can only do manipulation and nothing else,” he said.  About how many seats were expected by the SAD, Badal said, “All political parties want to form government. But tell me had you thought that we would get even these much seats?”