BJP has turned loktantra into dandatantra: Sidhu

PUNE: Congress leader and Punjab Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu has alleged that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is being used as a ‘puppet’ by the BJP-led Central government. There is an attempt to turn loktantra (democracy) into dandatantra (autocracy). 

Sidhu was speaking in an interactive session with students on the National Youth Policy in the city on Monday. He also addressed the media and criticised the BJP government over the CBI and the state police face-off in West Bengal. 

Sidhu’s remarks came against the backdrop of WB Chief Minister and All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) Chief Mamata Banerjee’s sit-in over the CBI’s attempt to question the Kolkata Police Commissioner in connection with the chit fund scam. Sidhu was in city to interact with students as a part of the Congress Party’s youth reach out programme. 

He said, “The CBI is an independent and autonomous institution but you (the Central government) have made it a puppet...what prompted four judges of the Supreme Court to openly hold a press conference...see the condition of RAW and how the CBI Chief was treated when he was trying to reveal the truth. Loktantra is being turned into dandatantra.” 

Supporting WB CM Mamata Banerjee, he said, “The opposition will be strengthened after what is happening in West Bengal. Because people are seeing how you are trying to demean a State government elected by the people by using muscle power and abusing the CBI.” 

“These people are jeopardising people’s legitimate right to ask questions and are labelling people as anti-national. There is an attempt to spread politics of fear and people who don’t share the same opinion of the BJP are being arm-twisted,” said the former cricketer-turned-politician. 

“The ruling party is suffering from ego. Its end is nearing as it is arm-twisting, scaring and terrorising its critics,” he said. 

On Priyanka Gandhi’s entry into politics, he said, “She has brought a positive energy into the party. The Congress will benefit by her charismatic personality. She has not been given an easy task.” 

VIRAT KOHLI NUMBER ONE
- While speaking about the present Indian cricket team, Sidhu said that he has seen many cricket teams in his career but he would rate the present Indian team as the best. 
- Sidhu praised Indian skipper Virat Kohli for his fitness and ability to play under pressure. He said he would also rate Kohli as ‘number one’.