The troubles of former Punjab Congress chief Sunil Jakhar are increasing continuously over the objectionable statement made on Dalits in a TV interview. Party leaders are targeting him. On Wednesday, Dalit activists burnt his effigy and demanded registration of a case against Jakhar. At the same time, Congress leader Ram Kumar Verka told Jakhar a lot. Said that after Captain Amarinder Singh was not made the CM of Punjab, his mental balance was shaken. Sunil Jakhar had indirectly targeted Charanjit Singh Channi in an interview. Channi was the first Dalit CM. Jakhar had said that the leadership should understand where to put everyone.
On Wednesday, people of Dalit community burnt an effigy of Sunil Jakhar over his alleged statement and condemned the objectionable statement and demanded his immediate expulsion from the party high command. According to the video clip, Jakhar appeared without taking the name, referring to Charanjit Singh Channi, the first Dalit CM of the state. Jakhar had questioned the decision of the party leadership. “Leadership has to understand where to put everyone,” he said in the interview.
Have you lost your mental balance: Verka
Former Congress MLA Raj Kumar Verka on Wednesday accused Jakhar of using “objectionable language” against Dalits and demanded his expulsion from the party. Verka said Jakhar ji, have you lost your mental balance. “You should apologise,” Verka told Jakhar, citing his interview with a news channel. Verka said Jakhar was annoyed by the party not being made the chief minister after Amarinder Singh’s unnecessary exit.
Verka’s allegations
Jakhar, however, said that his statement was distorted and linked with the wrong context. Jakhar said he regretted if anyone’s sentiments were hurt. Responding to Verka’s allegation, Jakhar said that he has always respected every religion and community. He always fought and raised his voice for the Dalits.
Protest against Jakhar in Phagwara
Meanwhile, some Dalit activists burnt Jakhar’s effigy in Phagwara. The protesters, led by Dalit activist Jarnail Nangal, also submitted a memorandum to Phagwara Superintendent of Police Harinderpal Singh, demanding registration of a case against Jakhar under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Act.