BJP slams Cong for lending support to 'Sarbat Khalsa'

Chandigarh, Nov 13: BJP today accused Congress of "destablising the state and the country" by leading support to 'Sarbat Khalsa' held at village Chabba three days ago where 'Khalistan' slogans were raised and a convict in former chief minister Beant Singh's assassination case was appointed as Jathedar of Akal Takht Sahib.

BJP National Secretary Tarun Chugh said the presence of Congress MLA Ramanjit Singh Sikki, party's former MLA Inderjit Singh Zira with thousands of Congressmen hints at a deep rooted conspiracy to destablise the state and the country.

Questioning Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi's silence over participation of Congressmen in Sarbat Khalsa, Chugh said Congress was playing with fire by supporting Khalistani elements to recover its lost political base. He said Sarbat Khalsa has clearly posed a challenge to the unity and integrity of the country, besides posing a threat to peace and tranquility in Punjab.

Chugh said it seems to be a recap of the 1980s when the infighting between Giani Zail Singh and Darbara Singh had resulted into a dangerous situation as the two groups used anti-national elements for their own vested interests and score over each other.

"Punjab and Punjabis had to pay a heavy price then but it is unfortunate that Congress is once again trying to replicate the same to fulfil their ulterior political motives," he said. By allowing its leaders to participate in a congregation hosted by radicals and separatist forces, Congress has once again proved that it has not learnt a lesson from its past mistakes, Chugh said.

Chugh challenged Congress President Sonia Gandhi and Rahul to come clear on the issue. "The Gandhis need to tell the people of the country whether they support what was resolved at Sarbat Khalsa with the participation and support of their own leaders and workers," he said.

He warned if Congress chose to remain silent on the crucial issue which could have dangerous proportions, the peace loving people of the state would give a befitting reply to the Gandhis and the Congress, whenever they get an opportunity to do so.

PTI