Punjab Deputy Chief Minister and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal on Saturday accused the Congress of supporting the pro-Khalistan radicals in Punjab and encouraging the secessionist forces.
Addressing a press meet here, he said the Congress was exposed after it participated and supported the Sikh congregation held on November 10 at Chhaba village in Amritsar, which was organised by pro-Khalistan groups.
“The Congress is trying to destabilise peace in Punjab. They [Congress] were aware of the fact that he Sikh congregation was organised by supporters of the pro-Khalistan radical groups, but yet they participated and supported that event,” Mr. Badal said.
He said the demand for Khalistan was openly made from the stage amid presence of 'Khalistan' flags and messages of terrorists were also read out at that congregation. And unfortunately, the Punjab Congress members were sharing the stage.
“What is the Congress trying to do? Does it want to push Punjab back into an era of darkness- when Punjab witnessed militancy? What other reason can there be for a national party to take actions which amount to destabilising the unity and integrity of the country?” asked Mr. Badal. He alleged that the Congress was supporting the anti-national agenda and these activities were being undertaken at the behest of Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi.
“Mr.Rahul Gandhi's recent visit to Punjab had led to the chain of events which witnessed the Congress playing dangerous games in the sensitive border State. We are bringing this to the notice of the Union Home Minister,” he said.
Mr. Badal said the SAD-BJP government would stand like a rock to maintain the unity and integrity of the country. “We brought Punjab back from the brink and will not allow anyone to disturb its hard won peace and communal harmony,” he added.
