Chandigarh/Tarn Taran Aug 17 Former Cabinet Minister Anil Joshi who was expelled from the BJP last month is all set to join the SAD on August 20. Backing farm stir was right step Supporting the farmers stir was a right decision. The laws must be repealed. We must listen to them and redress their grievances. — Anil Joshi Ex-Cabinet minister Confirming the development Joshi told The Tribune his decision to join the Akali Dal was unconditional. “I have always served people so I am joining without asking for any designation or assurance” he said. Sources say Joshi is likely to be fielded by the SAD from Amritsar North in the Assembly elections slated early next year. Joshi has been elected twice from the seat. Several other leaders are also likely to join the party along with Joshi. Joshi however evaded questions about his “sour ties” with the Akali leadership during the SAD-BJP 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. Meanwhile Joshi today met his supporters in Tarn Taran today and asked them to turn up in large numbers in Amritsar on August 20. There were reports that senior leader of the BSP would also attend the event. In his address Joshi said: “I am a Punjabi talk of Punjab and resolve all their problems.” Interestingly SAD leaders have been using “Punjabi” in place of “Sikhs” in their recent addresses. Joshi reiterated his stand on the three farm laws saying: “We must listen to them and redress their grievances.” He called his decision to support farmers agitation a right step and demanded repeal of the three laws. Joshi was expelled from the BJP last month for publically airing his views regarding the farm laws and criticising the state leadership. — TNS

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