BJP alleges Congress behind Punjab clashes

New Delhi, May 16 (UNI) The BJP today squarely blamed Congress for yesterday's clashes between Sikhs and followers of Dera Sacha Sauda at Bhatinda which left about 50 injured, and demanded Dera Chief Baba Gurmit Ram Rahim apologise for hurting the sentiments of Sikhs.

Addressing newspersons, BJP Parliamentary Party spokesman Vijay Kumar Malhotra said the Congress always tried to disturb peace in Punjab whenever it was thrown out of power. They did it earlier by propping up slain terrorist Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale. Now after losing election in Punjab, they were using the Dera Sacha Sauda cult to create trouble in the state.

The Head of Dera Sacha Sauda had called upon its followers to enbloc vote for Congress in the Assembly election, helping Congress to win at least 16 seats, he said.

It was unfortunate that Congress used the sect for political purposes, not realising that it would lead disturb communal and religious harmony, Mr Malhotra said.

The trouble started yesterday after the Sikh organisations burnt the effigy of Dera Sacha Sauda Head Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh to protest against his alleged posing as Guru Gobind Singh while distributing 'Jam-e-Insa' to his newly announced disciples at Dera Salabatpura on Saturday.

The pictures of the event, which Sikh bodies claimed as an emulation of baptisation by the 10th Guru by administering the 'Amrit', were splashed in newspaper ads in the region on Sunday.

Mr Malhotra said the clashes between Dera followers and Sikh organisations in several other parts of the country was also a pointer to the sensitivity of the incident.

All efforts, he said, should be made to maintain peace and tranquility in the country and none should be allowed to hurt religious feelings of any community.

UNI