Driving Naari Programme launched in Chandigarh
Chandigarh, June 16
Punjab Congress president Sunil Jakhar has hit out at Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Sukhpal Singh Khaira for backing secessionism with his categorical support for the Sikh Referendum 2020 propounded by Sikh radicals for the creation of Khalistan.
In a statement issued here on Saturday, Jakhar demanded Khaira’s immediate removal as Leader of Opposition in the state Vidhan Sabha and also his resignation as MLA.
Khaira’s statement amounted to blatant violation of the Constitutional ethics and the oath he took as MLA, said Jakhar, demanding that the AAP leader be removed from the House if he fails to quit on his own.
Notwithstanding his claim that he stands for a united India, Khaira’s statement of support for the controversial Referendum, which was clearly designed to break India’s unity, had exposed his anti-India sentiment and intent, said Jakhar.
By backing the Referendum for Khalistan, Khaira had made it clear that he was in favour of India’s dismemberment, said the PPCC chief, demanding to know if the Leader of the Opposition had the sanction of the AAP leadership or if he had taken this stand on his own accord. If the AAP leaders in Punjab and other party MLAs do not support Khaira’s stance, they should rise in one voice against him to demand his removal from the party, said Jakhar.
Terming Khaira’s stance as dangerous for India’s peace and unity, Jakhar urged Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh to direct the state police to examine the AAP leader’s statement and take necessary action if it is found to be provocative and promoting separatism, as per the law.
The Referendum to which Khaira has extended support seeks to divide India and plunge Punjab back into the dark days of terrorism, which could not be allowed at any cost, and which the government was duty-bound to prevent, Jakhar added.
Pointing out that several organisations supporting the referendum stood banned in Punjab, Jakhar said in the circumstances, anyone backing the referendum was effectively guilty of waging a war against India, and governments, both in Punjab and at the Centre, should take serious note of Khaira’s statement and initiate suitable action.
