Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring on Tuesday condemned the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for allegedly courting radicals in Punjab to gain political mileage. He accused the party of hypocrisy, stating that while the BJP projects itself as a nationalist party, it does not hesitate to share platforms with radicals and extremists.
Warring's Reaction to BJP Leader's Presence at Damdami Taksal Event
Warring was reacting to the presence of a senior BJP leader from Maharashtra at a programme organised by Damdami Taksal head Harnam Singh Dhuma at Chowk Mehta in Amritsar recently. He demanded that the BJP leadership clarify its position on the matter. "Was the Maharashtra BJP leader representing the party or was he on his own?" Warring questioned. He asserted that in either case, the BJP owes an explanation to the people of Punjab.
Allegations of Duplicity and Hypocrisy
The Punjab Congress chief said that anyone who opposes the BJP is instantly branded as "anti-national." However, now their own leaders are sharing the stage with individuals whose positions are well known. "Not that anyone needs a certificate from the BJP, but it exposes the duplicity and hypocrisy of the party that preaches nationalism to others while resorting to rank opportunism for electoral gains," he added.
Warning Against Reviving Divisive Ideology
Warring reminded that Punjab had lost tens of thousands of people during the dark era of militancy. "Punjab has rejected the divisive and sectarian ideology long back. Do not try to revive it for your electoral gains," he warned the BJP. He urged the party to respect the sentiments of the people of Punjab and refrain from exploiting radical elements for political purposes.
