Accusing the M.L. Khattar government of ‘callous insensitivity’, the Congress on Monday said the strictures passed by the High Court against the Haryana government upheld the ‘majesty of law.’
Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhi said the strictures, however, had the “opposite effect” on the Haryana government.
“In any responsible sensitive form of democratic governance, comments not strictures, of far less severity than we have heard in Haryana, would have led to apologies, resignations and complete unconditional acceptance. Here it has had the opposite effect,” said Mr. Singhvi. “There is a hardening of positions. There is a digging in of heels. There is an increase of arrogance and because we have the temerity to ask for President’s rule.”
On Sunday, Prime Minister in his Mann Ki Baat programme had made it clear that ‘violence in the name of faith is unacceptable.’ But the Congress alleged that the BJP functionaries didn’t seem to take the Prime Minister’s words seriously.
“It only addresses us the nation, the others — not the BJP wallahs. That is not Mann Ki Baat. Mr. Sakshi Maharaj, a member of the BJP national executive, says ‘I respect the judiciary, but I would want to say that crores of people are supporting Ram Rahim, only one person is complaining against him. Is one person right or crores of people are right’. Next time, they may conduct an opinion poll,” said Mr. Singhvi
The Congress claimed that in the past two and half years since the BJP government came to power in Haryana, 72 people have been killed in public-police clashes, including those killed during the Jat agitation. But that had little effect on the government as it was claiming “handling of the Panchkula situation a success.”
“The Chief Minister who spoke after a gap, said ‘authorities are doing a good job’. Three top officers of the State were present at the CM’s residence on Sunday at dinner and Mr. Khattar appreciated the police response and handling of the incident,” said the Congress spokesperson.
Major victory
Meanwhile, BJP leader Subramanian Swamy said that Ram Rahim’s conviction was a message that no one is too big to be prosecuted. He also said that it was unlikely that Rahim’s 20-year term would be reduced on appeal.
Mr. Swamy also lauded the CBI judge, who he said wasn’t “cowered” by the magnitude of the case. “It is a major victory after the triple talaq verdict and is a message for women’s safety. Ultimately the public reaction was so strong that the government also had to move in,” he said.