Varun Gandhi, the BJP leader allegedly made hatred remarks about religions other than Hinduism last week have caused a political wrangle in Punjab. His anti-sikh remarks have been taken as a serious note by the Congress party and few radical sikh organizations like Dal Khalsa. As the ruling Akali-Dal has an alliance with BJP and with BJP leader making anti-sikh remarks, it will surely heat up the political battle field in Punjab.

The opposition party in Punjab, Congress and Dal Khalsa have asked Akali Dal as to why it is silent on this issue. Capt. Amarinder Singh, former Chief Minister of Punjab said in a release, "Being part of the BJP, Varun Gandhi is an ally of the Akali Dal and Parkash Singh Badal. I would like Mr Badal to clarify whether he agrees with these derogatory remarks against both the Sikh and Muslim communities, and if not, what he proposes to do about it,".

The SGPC has called on a meeting to discuss this issue on Thursday. Due to pressure from both radical sikh organizations and the opposition, the Akali Dal which is a sikh party is on back-foot now. When contacted Akali Dal spokesman said that the remarks made by Varun Gandhi would be properly verified first. The akali spokesman reacting to Congress statements said that Congress has no right to speak on this issue as its leaders Jagdish Tytler and Sajjan Kumar were involved in the 1984 attack on Harmandir Sahib and Delhi Sikh riots.

Tags: akali dal, anti-sikh, punjab, SGPC

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