The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) district team and the son of former Barnala MLA Malkit Singh Keetu have demanded an apology from Punjab Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Kewal Singh Dhillon for his recent remarks labeling Keetu a 'gangster'. They have given Dhillon a week to apologize, failing which they will pursue legal recourse.
Background of the Controversy
On June 3, while assuming charge as state BJP president, Kewal Singh Dhillon referred to ex-MLA Malkit Singh Keetu as a 'gangster' and alleged that he was involved in selling illegal liquor. Dhillon had defeated Keetu twice from the Barnala Assembly constituency in 2007 and 2012. Keetu, who was illiterate, won as an independent candidate in 1997 and as a Shiromani Akali Dal nominee in 2002. He was shot dead on October 29, 2012.
Demand for Apology
Speaking to media at a gurdwara in Barnala on Saturday, former MLA Balbir Singh Ghunas, SAD Bhadaur Assembly in-charge Satnam Singh Rahi, SAD Mehal Kalan Assembly in-charge Nath Singh, and SAD Barnala Assembly in-charge Kulwant Singh (Keetu's son) expressed outrage. They stated that Dhillon had insulted a person who died over 13 years ago and, during his lifetime, was close to the residents of Barnala.
“Calling him a gangster is like insulting people. We will wait for a week for Dhillon to apologize or we will seek legal remedy and decide the next course of action,” said Kulwant Singh.
Political Reactions
Sangrur MP Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer and Barnala Congress MLA Kuldeep Singh Dhillon also criticized Kewal Singh Dhillon for his remarks. Defending his statement, Kewal Singh Dhillon said he was speaking in another context that BJP will not tolerate gangsterism and those involved in drugs.
