"The incidents of violence and intimidation indulged in by our rivals marred what would have been a peaceful and dignified exercise of democratic will by the people of Punjab," said Badal in an official statement.

The SAD president claimed that the people have rejected a government that did not care for them and tried to hide behind false allegations of sacrilege since it had nothing to offer at all to people on the basis of its performance.

He thanked "the valiant and tireless workers of SAD who fought government repression and Congress high handedness bravely and persistently."

"I am proud of my workers. They are the body and soul of the party," Badal added.

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