Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal on Saturday ruled out his resignation in the wake of a special court framing charges against him in connection with a disproportionate asset case.
The Shiromani Akali Dal chief, who assumed office last week, insisted that framing of charges does not establish offence.
"Why should I quit?" he asked.
Badal, who accused his predecessor Amarinder Singh of vindictiveness against him while being in office, maintained that there was no substance in charges that he acquired wealth beyond means.
"He [Amarinder Singh] used the government machinery against me. This was the first case of its kind in which allegations are attributed to reliable sources," Badal said as he denied any wrongdoing while being in power from 1997 to 2002.
The chief minister said the central income tax authorities have found that he had acquired no wealth beyond his means.
"This is an ordinary case. I have full respect for the court," he said.
A special court in Roopnagar on Friday framed charges against Badal, his wife, son and seven others in connection with the case.
Special Judge G S Saran directed that charges under various sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act and 120 B (criminal conspiracy) of the IPC be framed against Badal his wife Surinder Kaur and son Sukhbir Singh Badal, who is an MP, but rejected the prosecution application for reinvestigation of the case.
