Congress snubs Khetan, says AAP can do anything for votes

Accusing Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) of playing "crass communal politics even murkier than that of the RSS-BJP", the Congress Party on Wednesday slammed AAP spokesperson Ashish Khetan for allegedly hurting religious sentiments of the Sikhs by unveiling his party's manifesto carrying the image of the Golden Temple along with the party's symbol 'the broom' and comparing the manifesto with the Guru Granth Sahib.

"Comparing a manifesto with a religious book like the Guru Granth Sahib to gather votes is reprehensible. I think AAP is playing crass communal politics as had been played by the RSS-BJP," Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit told ANI.

Taking a strong exception to Khetan's remarks, Dikshit said, "What the AAP is doing is deplorable. The AAP can use anything, including religion, violence and lies to gather votes."

He further said the lust for money and votes that Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has got will lead him to do anything.

"I hope that Khetan is punished for it," he added.

Khetan has been accused of hurting religious sentiments as the booklet used an image of the Sikh shrine Golden Temple along with Arvind Kejriwal and AAP's election symbol 'the broom', which provoked various Sikh groups.

The party also apologised for the picture of its symbol, alongside the image of the Darbar Sahib on its manifesto.

This is the second instance of police action against the AAP functionaries in recent times in Punjab.

Earlier, AAP legislator Naresh Yadav was questioned on June 24 in connection with Quran sacrilege in Malerkotla in Sangrur district.

The AAP is seen as a strong contender in the 2017 Punjab elections, hoping to expand its base beyond Delhi, where it got a decisive mandate.