PATIALA:  Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh today said a decision on any electoral alliance in Punjab for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections would be taken by the Congress high command at the appropriate time.

He was replying to a media query about the possibility of a poll alliance on the lines of the one forged by Samajwadi Party with BSP and Congress in Uttar Pradesh.

Talking to media persons on the sidelines of the entrepreneurship and innovation convention here, the Chief Minister said any decision in this regard would be taken by the party’s central leadership.

In response to another question, the Chief Minister hinted at a new Sports Minister being appointed in the state’s cabinet expansion, which is expected to take place soon. The new Sports Policy would be finalized thereafter, he added.

Captain Amarinder congratulated International Shooter Heena Sidhu for winning a Gold Medal during the ongoing Commonwealth Games, saying she had made every Punjabi proud. He assured her of all government support to further her sports career.

Asked about the reported illegal mining taking place in Patiala during the night time, the Chief Minister promised a thorough investigation and action. He made it clear that he would not allow illegal mining to continue in the state and pointed out that he had already issued stringent directives to the police and the concerned administrative departments to crack down against all such activities taking place in any part of the state.

Asked to comment on the report submitted by STF in the drugs case, the Chief Minister said the matter was sub judice and he could not, therefore, comment on the same.