OPINION: Begin cleansing political parties of criminals

I dare Sukhbir Badal, Deputy Chief Minister, Punjab, to begin cleansing political parties of criminals by expelling Bibi Jagir Kaur and Jathedar Tota Singh, both convicted by the courts of law.

As stated above, I challenge Sukhbir Badal to act on his suggestion to all political parties to weed out criminals. He should first expel Bibi Jagir Kaur and Jathedar Tota Singh, who have been convicted to five years and one year rigorous imprisonment, respectively, by the courts. They both have filed appeals before the High Court but their convictions have not been stayed, hence as on date their status is that of criminal convicts. The Deputy CM would be at liberty to reinstate them once they are either acquitted or their convictions are stayed by the High Court.

As we are aware, law and order in Punjab has taken a severe beating with criminals having political connections ruling the roost in the state. Only recently Rana Ranjit Singh General Secretary, Akali Dal, killed a police officer in broad daylight. Similarly earlier Nishan Singh an Akali goon had the audacity to abduct a minor girl Shruti in Faridkot also in broad daylight. All these incidents indicate that Akali ‘Goondas’ consider themselves above the law in Punjab. It was in this context that Sukhbir Badal while speaking to mediapersons yesterday suggested to weed out criminals from all political parties.

Since the Akali Dal is in power in Punjab, therefore the onus to lead by example lies with the ruling party. Although there may be many leaders with criminal propensities in all political parties but the said two bigwig politicians, namely Bibi Jagir Kaur and Jathedar Tota Singh are presently convicted criminals in the eyes of law. Others may be facing FIR’s in some cases, charges may have been framed or trials may be in progress against some but the said two have been established criminals till they get any relief from the courts.

Instead of cleansing the political parties of criminals, the senior Badal on the contrary shared the dias with Bibi Jagir Kaur during his official visit to Bholath on 11th December. By doing so, the CM in-fact eulogised criminals sending a very negative signal to our youth, as such many more Ranjit Singh Rana’s and Nishan Singh’s are likely to take to crime.

I respect the views of Sukhbir Badal and I assure him that if he really takes concrete action against the two convicted criminals of his party, we in the congress would not be lacking behind and will immediately take action, if needed. In case he does not expel these convicted senior leaders, his suggestion to cleanse the political system of criminals would be mere eye wash, farce and would amount to hoodwinking people.

(It is a press statement issued today by Sukhpal Singh Khaira, Former Congress MLA from Bholath in Kapurthala district.)  

(Disclaimer: The views expressed by the author in this article are his own and do not necessarily reflect the views of City Air News.)