Cong denies Badal's charge of link in violent incidents

New Delhi, May 17 (UNI) The Congress today described as "highly irresponsible" Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal's statement blaming it for the incidents involving Dera Sacha Sauda and said the party had nothing to do with the events in the State.

"Congress wishes to put on record that it has nothing whatsoever to do with the events in Punjab," Congress Spokesman Abhishek Singhvi said briefing mediapersons here.

"The Chief Minister should first set his own house in order before irresponsibly finger-pointing at others because when he points the accusing fingers, three fingers point at him," he said.

Accusing Mr Badal of sidetracking the issue and indulging in politics, Mr Singhvi said the Congress during its five year rule had never allowed the State to degenerate into a law and order problem. The Chief Minister, he said, was giving excuses to shift his constitutional responsibility on others.

Mr Singhvi said the secular credentials of the Congress were impeccable."We have a Prime Minister of the stature of Dr Manmohan Singh. Unlike others we do not indulge in politics of hatred and divisiveness." Stating that any one, any group or any party indulging in politics of hatred and divisiveness was unacceptable to the Congress, Mr Singhvi said it was unbecoming of Mr Badal and unethical on his part to transfer the blame on the Congress in this irresponsible manner.

UNI