SAD REJECTS AAP LEADER’S APOLOGY

CHANDIGARH: Rejecting the apology offered by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Ashish Khetan for comparing Guru Granth Sahib and other holy books to his party’s youth manifesto, the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on Wednesday said if anyone needed to apologise for this ‘sacrilege’, it was AAP convener and Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal.

In a statement here, parliamentarian and SAD secretary general Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa said the “blasphemy” was committed in front of Kejriwal during a recent function in Amritsar, where the AAP’s youth manifesto was released.

“Kejriwal did not protest against the blasphemy then or even later, giving a clear indication of the respect he has for the holy book of the Sikh community. Now, it is incumbent on him to seek apology from the Sikh ‘sangat’ as well as take strictest action against Khetan. This is necessary to assuage the hurt feelings of entire Sikh community,” said Dhindsa.

Claiming Khetan had displayed a “mentally sick disposition”, Dhindsa said: “There is no other explanation for the cruel manner in which he insulted Guru Granth Sahib.”

The MP said no Sikh or even a Punjabi could remain silent after this “attack” on the holy book. “But the manner in which the AAP leadership of Punjab has remained silent on this issue indicates that it has sold its soul to outsiders... How could we expect AAP leaders of Punjab to speak up against the central leadership if the party ever came to power in Punjab?” he questioned.

“This (AAP) is a party that does not respect your religion as it has insulted Guru Granth Sahib as well as the holy Gita and Bible. AAP leaders are also being investigated for being party to the desecration of the holy Quran at Malerkotla. Their earlier role in inflaming communal passions is also before the people,” alleged Dhindsa.