Congress blames Badal for not resolving Dera issue

Jalandhar, July 13 (UNI) Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) president Shamsher Singh Dullo today held the ruling Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal) responsible for the delay in resolution of the Dera Sacha Sauda imbroglio.

Addressing the media persons here this evening, Mr Dullo said when, for the sake of peace and harmony of the state, Dera chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh apologised for imitating Guru Gobind Singh, the issue should have been resolved then and there.

''However, the Akal Thakht, at the behest of Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal rejected the apology.'' he claimed.

When Dera chief had apologised to Guru Gobing Singh and also to the Sikh sangat, who else was there above them from whom Gurmeet Singh was required to seek the apology, Mr Dullo asked.

Despite being a religious body, Mr Dullo said, ''The Akal Takht is a tool in the hands of Mr Badal. Also, the president of the SGPC is elected on the instructions of the Chief Minister.'' Expressing concern over the worsening law and order situation in the state, he said the ruling party had politicised the entire functioning of the state and the common-man had no place to seek justice as police stations, tehsils and other government departments were running ''on the dictates of Akali leaders''.

Mr Dullo was here to oversee the meeting of the District Congress Committee.

UNI