Cong not responsible for anti-Sikh riots, says Rana Gurjit
JALANDHAR: A day after the Supreme Court set up a special investigation team (SIT) to probe 186 cases pertaining to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, state power and irrigation minister Rana Gurjit Singh on Friday claimed that the Congress had no role in the pogrom.
“How the Congress was involved (in the riots)? Holding the Congress responsible (for anti-Sikh riots) just because the party was in power is wrong,” Rana said, while addressing the media during the release of the musical album ‘Bindi’ by singer Arjun Bhargav.
As per information, a threemember SIT, headed by the former Delhi high court judge Justice SN Dhingra will probe the 186 cases, which had been closed for lack of evidence.
When asked to clear the Congress’ stand on the amendment of Article 25-B of the Constitution for a separate Sikh identity, an issue raked up by the Shiromani Akali Dal, Rana has made it clear that the party won’t support it.
“Congress is a secular party and will not support the SAD for the amendment in Article 25-B. Akalis are habitual of raising issues like the Anandpur Sahib resolution, Article 25B and river waters when out of power,” he said, questioning that why these issues were not taken up when SAD was in power for 10 years.
“Our government is not vindictive, but is committed to exposing all the misdeeds and wrongdoings of the previous Akali-BJP government,” he said.
Rana said that the SAD-BJP government had put the burden on people of the state by turning cash credit limit worth ₹30,000 crore into a state government loan, which was to be paid by tax payer’s money.