Mann calls for social boycott of SAD leaders over sacrilege

Patiala: Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday called for a social boycott of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leaders, including Sukhbir Singh Badal, holding them responsible for sacrilege incidents and alleged excesses during their tenure.Addressing a gathering in Patiala, Mann said, "These people bruised the psyche of every common man by allowing the sacrilege of Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji during their regime. These traitors can never be forgiven as they are responsible for desecration of Sri Guru Granth Sahib and their hands were drenched with the blood of innocent masses."Appealing to people to socially boycott SAD leaders, he added, "Oh veero, Shikva ha mera tuahde nal. Guru Granth Sahib di beadbi keeti, Akal Takht te manne han (SAD leaders) par baad cho mukkar gye. Fer Akal Takht te jhooth bol aye eh?"Recalling the Bargari sacrilege and Behbal Kalan police firing incidents, Mann said Sukhbir Badal, who was home minister at the time, must answer for the events. He urged people not to support such leaders, saying backing them would amount to endorsing "an era of sacrilege, firing on innocent protestors, and atrocities on the common man".The chief minister also sharpened his attack on the Akali leadership over alleged power theft at a public rally, saying the state govt would lodge a case. He accused the party of continuing the same mindset of exploiting public resources even while out of power.Mann also described the Akali Dal's ‘Punjab Bachao Yatra' as a "Parivar Bachao Yatra", alleging that the party was trying to protect its political interests rather than the state.He further accused previous SAD and Congress govts of damaging Punjab's economy, society and institutions, and said the state was now moving back on track under the AAP govt.Emphasising long-term solutions, Mann said education remained the key to tackling poverty and social challenges. MSID:: 130064055 413 |