Punjab Governor O P Verma has denied reports that he had been summoned by Deputy Prime Minister Lal Kishenchand Advani in connection with the ongoing raids against former chief minister Parkash Singh Badal and his relatives.

"It was a courtesy call," he said after a half an hour meeting with Advani at his residence.

He pleaded ignorance when asked if the raids against Badal amounted to political vendetta.

"I would call for a report only when there is a need to do so or I am asked about it," he said.

At a press conference on Friday, Badal had alleged that Chief Minister Amarinder Singh had initiated the raids in revenge against being denied the Akali Dal ticket seven years back.

Verma refused to get drawn into the controversy when newspersons persisted with their queries but admitted that Badal's Shiromani Akali Dal has apprised him about recent developments.

Advani refused to speak to the media, but a close aide told mediapersons that the two did not discuss the raids in Punjab. "He (Verma) was here to see Advani on another mission," he said.

More reports from Punjab