Suggesting the first signs of a rift in the ruling alliance in Punjab, ministers of coalition partner BJP boycotted the Cabinet meeting on Thursday over what the party alleged was “unruly behaviour” by a Shiromani Akali Dal legislator. BJP leaders alleged that Adampur MLA Sarabjit Singh Makkar abused and humiliated Industries Minister Manoranjan Kalia at his residence, and said their boycott would continue till “all issues are resolved”.

Though no BJP leader was willing to come on record, many pointed out that the appointment of new DGP P S Gill, from Jammu and Kashmir, superseding officers of the state cadre, was another major factor behind their boycott. The relations between the two coalition partners haven’t been cordial over the past few months.

Punjab BJP president Rajinder Bhandari said: “It was a unanimous decision and the party will continue the boycott till our issues are resolved. We cannot disclose all issues to the media at present, but you will come to know about them in the coming days.”

Asked if the party would withdraw its support to the Government or give outside support, Bhandari just said: “It is a premature question.”

Kalia, meanwhile, said they have intimated Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and the BJP high command about the issue. According to sources, Badal reportedly gave a “dressing down” to Makkar for “abusing” Kalia and also called up Bhandari and said his ministers shouldn’t have boycotted the Cabinet meeting. However, Makkar confirmed that he met Kalia in Jalandhar on Wednesday, but denied abusing him. “I met him only to air my resentment against his style of working. He doesn’t respect the elected representatives and keeps sitting on files.”