New Delhi (PTI): The Shiromani Akali Dal dismissed suggestions that it would vote in favour of the trust motion because Manmohan Singh is the first Sikh Prime Minister.

"India is a secular country and therefore the vote cannot be held on the basis of religion or community or personality. It is being held on the basis of the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's performance," the Faridkot MP told reporters outside Parliament House here.

At the same time, Badal said the 1984 anti-Sikh riots cannot be forgotten.

"Also the way in which it (Congress) is trying to divide the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC), and the turban controversy in France, are issues that have to be kept in mind," Badal, whose SAD is in power in Punjab, said.