Amritsar
In a virtual attack on its alliance partner Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) in the state government over the recent incidents of sacrilege of the holy book, BJP leader Anil Joshi on Friday said the anger of some people that was lying suppressed has come out into the open.
“There are different types of anger. In this case, people’s suppressed anger has come out. Some (people) didn’t get justice, so they expressed their indignation openly…some leaders and ministers are trying to operate the system in their own way,” Joshi, who is the local bodies minister in the Parkash Singh Badal-led SAD-BJP government, told reporters in Amritsar.
The minister was replying to queries on why the people have come out on roads and showed their anger against the Punjab government.
“I have always said this. My brother was attacked in Tarn Taran and no major action was taken. It’s been more than a year and the special investigation team (SIT) is yet to submit its report. When such things happen, the people, who have suffered, get angry,” added Joshi.
“In a democracy, if we are a minister, it does not mean we can do whatever we like. It is not that if someone shows signs of opposition, we act against him, said Joshi. When asked would he attribute these protests to opposition parties, Joshi said, “Not only the opposition, but even the common man has hit the streets.”
{{/usCountry}}“In a democracy, if we are a minister, it does not mean we can do whatever we like. It is not that if someone shows signs of opposition, we act against him, said Joshi. When asked would he attribute these protests to opposition parties, Joshi said, “Not only the opposition, but even the common man has hit the streets.”
{{/usCountry}}Joshi had openly condemned the Akali Dal when his brother was attacked in Tarn Taran last year. BJP leaders had been maintaining silence on the recent happenings in Punjab. However, with his comments Joshi has virtually pinned blame on the SAD for the recent unrest in the state.
Earlier, Joshi started an ‘akhand paath’ for peace and prosperity in the state. The minister said the heinous act of sacrilege of Guru Granth Sahib cannot be tolerated and those behind it must get exemplary punishment. “Some forces want to disturb peace in Punjab. People should be cautious against such elements,” he said.