NEW DELHI, Nov 1:
Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today dismissed speculation that support of Shiromani Akali Dal to Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) in Haryana Assembly elections would have an adverse effect on its ties with BJP and said their main goal was to defeat Congress.
“No, there is no such thing,” Badal said when asked if SAD’s siding with INLD in the Haryana election could lead BJP to part ways.
He said his party has been in alliance with the BJP since the beginning.
“Our issue was to defeat Congress,” Badal said, adding that they had earlier already informed BJP about the SAD’s stance in Haryana.
Badal was here to participate in an event organised to mark construction of a memorial for the victims of 1984 anti-Sikh riots.
On construction of a memorial, Badal said it was a “good thing” as next generation would come to know about history.
There were memorials in Punjab also.
Earlier, speaking at the event Punjab Chief Minister said that 1984 riots was a very painful episode and it was not just riots, but a genocide.
He rued the fact that many accused of the riots have not been punished and some of them were even holding important positions.
Badal sought a comprehensive relief package for the riot victims saying Union Government must set up a Commission of Inquiry, headed by a Supreme Court judge to inquire the entire “conspiracy” including official and political patronage behind the massacre in a time bound manner.
He further said that the Commission should submit its report within six months.
The Chief Minister further said it was “grave injustice” to the victims that for more than three decades justice has been denied to them.
“Even where some action was initiated under public pressure, progress has been deliberately slow and complaints have been pending without any FIRs being registered,” he alleged.
Badal demanded setting up of special dedicated courts to expedite the delivery of justice where FIRs have been registered and challans presented.
The CM, who performed the ground breaking ceremony to start the construction of this memorial at Gurudwara Rakabganj Sahib here today, was accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal and Union Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal.
Delhi BJP Chief Satish Upadhay was also present at the event who pledged all “possible support” to the Sikhs in their quest for justice regarding the 1984 riots.
The memorial was being built by Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC).(PTI)
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