Amarinder Singh Raja Warring claims that the BJP had created an atmosphere of fear among Muslims across the country
CHANDIGARH – Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring has alleged that the BJP government at the Centre is conspiring to seize 44 lakh acres of Muslim land. Addressing a ‘Samvidhan Bachao Sabha’ (Save Constitution gathering) in the historic city of Malerkotla on Sunday, the Congress chief also warned that after the Waqf Act, Sikhs could be the next target, with potential amendments to the Sikh Gurdwara Act of 1925, affecting the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC).
Very aptly, Warring’s warning came in Malerkotla, primarily known for its rich cultural heritage and its strong historical relationship between Sikhs and Muslims. The bonds are evidenced by the dargah of Sheikh Haidar and the Mubarak Manzil Palace.
The Congress leader expressed confidence that the BJP and the RSS would not be allowed to succeed in Punjab.
Warring, the Member of Parliament from Ludhiana, emphasised the long-standing harmony between Sikhs and Muslims in Punjab, highlighting instances where Sikh communities have provided land for mosques and graveyards, media reports said.
He alleged that the BJP had created an atmosphere of fear among Muslims across the country. Asserting that the BJP was against Muslims, he pointed out that of the 240 party MPs in the Lok Sabha, not one of them was a Muslim.
The Congress leader also came down heavily on the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in the state. He alleged that the BJP government at the Centre and the AAP government in the state were undermining the Constitution by muzzling the voice of the opposition. In this connection, Warring singled out the BJP’s tactic of unleashing central investigating agencies like the Enforcement Directorate (ED), the Central Board of Investigation (CBI), and the Income Tax Department against political opponents and voices of dissent.
He referred to the case initiated by the AAP government against the state Congress Legislative Party leader, Partap Singh Bajwa, who had merely cautioned against possible grenade attacks in the state.
He said the AAP government has completely failed in Punjab. “The way the AAP government is taking loans, the total debt by the end of its term may cross Rs 6 lakh crore,” he said. “It will be difficult for the next government to carry out any developmental work. Even it would be difficult to pay the salaries of employees.”
Referring to the anti-drug campaign of the AAP government, he said the fight against drugs is a long-drawn one and cannot be completed within any fixed deadline.
“It is not very easy to wean people from drug addiction,” he said, calling for a comprehensive and long-term strategy to deal with the problem instead of resorting to publicity stunts.
Warring told the gathering that Malerkotla enjoys the district status today primarily because of the assiduous efforts of a senior party leader and former minister from the area, Razia Sultana.
On the Waqf Act, the Punjab Congress leader echoed the sentiments shared by other Sikh leaders, including Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Harsimrat Kaur Badal. The leaders have questioned the BJP’s motives behind the act, highlighting the party’s lack of Muslim MPs and its alleged attempts to divide minorities.
Warring joined the other opposition leaders in urging people to resist the BJP’s alleged attempts to undermine the Constitution and target minority communities.
