Haryana CM backs state BJP chief: ‘Father can’t pay for his son’s action’
CHANDIGARH: Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Sunday ruled out the resignation of state BJP chief Subhash Barala whose son was arrested for stalking a woman, saying the father couldn’t be punished for his son’s action.
The Opposition parties are gunning for Barala after his son Vikas, 23, and his friend Ashish Kumar, 27, were arrested in Chandigarh on Friday for allegedly chasing and harassing the disc jockey who was driving home. The two were released on bail.
“The accused will be punished once found guilty. This is my official stand on this matter. This case has nothing to do with Subhash Barala. Such an act is highly condemnable if proved correct,” Khattar told media in Hisar, defending his party colleague for the second time.
The incident comes as a huge embarrassment for the ruling BJP, which launched the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (save and educate the girl child) campaign against female infanticide and also vowed to ensure safety of women. Party leader Rajkumar Saini, who is a member of Parliament (MP) from Kurukshetra, joined the Opposition’s chorus and said Barala should step down till his son’s name was cleared.
“Those who give lessons to others should also introspect,” Saini, who has differences with the Khattar government, said.
Assuring that the accused would be punished, Khattar said it was incorrect to punish the state BJP chief for his son’s alleged crime.
But the Opposition would have none of it. “Condemn attempt to kidnap & outrage modesty of young lady in Chdgrh. BJP Govt mst punish the guilty; not collude W/culprits & mindset they represent,” Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi tweeted on Sunday. Party leader and Rohtak MP Deepender Hooda accused the government of shielding the accused, questioning the bail granted to them.
“The government must not think the woman is alone. The entire public is with her. She must get justice,” he tweeted on Sunday.
The two men were drunk on power and alcohol, he said, referring to a police report that said high level of alcohol was found in their blood stream.
The Congress’ women wing burnt Barala’s effigy, demanding his resignation. Police must take strict action against his son, chief Krishna Poonia said.
Indian National Lok Dal leader Abhay Chautala said Barala was equally guilty and should resign immediately.
The two men have been booked for stalking and driving drunk on the complaint of the 29-year-old woman, who is the daughter of an IAS officer.
The accused will be punished once found guilty... This case has nothing to do with Subhash Barala (state BJP chief)
ML KHATTAR, chief minister
Why is the Haryana government trying to save the accused? Is it because he is the son of BJP’s state chief?
ABHAY CHAUTALA, leader of oppn