The ruling Congress and the Shiromani Akali Dal were on Friday involved in a bitter exchange of words on the Akali Dal’s proposed “sit-in” in New Delhi on November 3 to seek justice for the families of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots victims.
While the Punjab Pradesh Congress chief Sunil Jakhar termed the SAD sit-in (dharna) as a “political gimmick”, the Akalis hit back, saying the Congress was rubbing salt into the wounds of the Sikh community by opposing the programme.
“The dharna on the issue of 1984 riots reflects political hypocrisy of the Akali Dal as rather than withdrawing their own Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal from the NDA government, they are indulging in such tantrums to befool the masses. It would be a cruel joke if [SAD leader] Sukhbir Badal protests against a government of which his party is an ally,” said Mr. Jakhar.
Mr. Jakhar said the Akali Dal remembers the riots issue only when any election approaches.
Reacting to Mr. Jakhar’s remark, the SAD dubbed it as the Congress’s nervousness after sensing the rising anger among the Sikhs against the Congress.
“The dharna was being held to seek justice for victims of the anti-Sikh riots as well as punishment for those involved. By opposing this dharna, Mr. Jakhar has tried to gratify Congress president Rahul Gandhi. Why is the Congress so upset? Is seeking justice for thousands of innocent Sikhs a crime?” said SAD senior vice-president Daljit Singh Cheema.
