Driving Naari Programme launched in Chandigarh
Chandigarh, Three days after Capt Amarinder Singh took over as the Punjab Congress president, an unsavoury controversy has erupted over the relocation of busts of party’s three slain leaders—Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi and Beant Singh—at Punjab Congress Bhawan in Sector 15 here.
The fresh controversy has erupted a few weeks after the tussle between various factions in the state Congress over the leadership issue.
Former Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) president Shamsher Singh Dullo, who had installed the busts of the two slain Prime Ministers and Chief Minister in 2007 during his stint as the state unit chief, has dubbed the move as “disrespect” to the “martyrs”. But Capt Amarinder’s media adviser has attributed the relocation to “better maintenance”.
Dullo claimed it had hurt the sentiments of the peace-loving people, especially those who had fought against terrorism in the state. “Why have you relocated these busts and which agency you intend to impress with this move,” the senior Congress leader questioned Capt Amarinder.
Dullo, AICC election authority member, said the aim behind placing the busts at the entrance was to pay respects and tribute to the slain leaders. “Even Rahul Gandhi, during his recent visit, first garlanded these busts before moving inside the complex,” he recalled.
Urging Capt Amarinder to again put the busts at their original place, he said, “I will also seek the party high command’s intervention and if required, will motivate the masses to restore respect and dignity to our great leaders.”
However, Capt Amarinder’s aide said, “The busts have been relocated to the lawns for better maintenance following consistent demand and suggestions by a number of party leaders and workers.”
He claimed the party leaders and workers had appreciated the relocation. “All the leaders had sacrificed their lives for the unity and integrity of the country and it is important to accord their busts a respectful place,” he said.
These busts were relocated a couple of days ago and garlanded by Capt Amarinder on Thursday, a caretaker said. The busts were unveiled by Dullo on April 9, 2007.
