Capt Amarinder tells Sukhbir not to damn his critics as anti-nationals

CHANDIGARH: Former Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh today asked the Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal not to damn the protestors against the Akali Dal in Canada and the United States as anti-national.“This is unbecoming of the president of Akali Dal, a party that claims to represent and watch Sikh interests, to damn an entire community as anti-national just because they are critical of you and your party”, he told Sukhbir in a statement issued here today.
Instead, Capt Amarinder suggested, Sukhbir Badal and his Chief Minister father Parkash Singh Badal should introspect that why there is so much anger and outrage against them and their party everywhere not only in the foreign countries but back home in Punjab as well.“They are our own people not anti nationals as you are trying to damn them”, he told Sukhbir in no ambiguous terms, while asking him, “why is it that only the Akalis having association with Badals are facing so many protests?” He pointed out, leaders from other parties also visit these countries but nobody faces such protests.The former Chief Minister pointed out, it is not only in US and Canada that the Akalis are facing such protests as they were facing similar protests in Punjab also. “Do you mean everybody is anti-national just because they are showing you the mirror s you have failed them on all fronts and on all counts?” he asked the Deputy Chief Minister.Capt Amarinder regretted that instead of addressing their anger and alienation, Sukhbir had made a highly irresponsible statement that does no good to anyone and will create more bitterness. “Better give up your arrogance and learn to respect the sentiments of people”, he advised Sukhbir.