Akali Dal, BJP split over resolution on Divinder Pal Singh Bhullar hanging

The ruling Akali Dal-BJP alliance stands “split” over the matter of adopting a resolution in the Punjab Assembly seeking clemency for Khalistan Liberation Front militant Divinder Pal Singh Bhullar, undergoing death sentence in the Tihar jail.

Taking a cue from the Tamil Nadu Assembly which had adopted a resolution seeking clemency for the Rajiv Gandhi killers, Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal announced last week to bring a similar resolution in favour of Bhullar when the Assembly sessions starts on October 3.

The BJP, however, distanced itself from the resolution on Friday saying its anti-militancy stance remained the same as it was during peak days of militancy in Punjab.  Former union minister Shanta Kumar, who is the party’s observer for the state, said the BJP would oppose the Akali Dal resolution. He, however, denied the matter would split the Akali-BJP alliance.  

Bhullar has been convicted for engineering a bomb blast on former All India Youth Congress chief Maninderjit Singh Bitta in Delhi in 1993, killing nine persons and injuring the then IYC chief.

In case the Akali Dal moves the resolution, its fate stills hang in balance as in the absence of BJP’s support, the Akalis would be in a minority to see the resolution through.