Repentant Khetan comes out with strong apology over manifesto comment

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Ashish Khetan, who has been booked for hurting religious sentiments in Punjab, on Wednesday, came out with a strong apology to douse the raging issue and salvage the party's reputation ahead of the state assembly polls.

Speaking exclusively to ANI, Khetan went to the extent of saying that the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD)-led Government in Punjab can mete out any punishment to him, including 'crucifixion', if not satisfied with his apology.

"I had apologised to the people even yesterday with folded hands. People were hurt by something I said. Wahe Guru ji forgives everyone, I never intended to hurt anyone's religious feelings," he told ANI.

"If Akali Government is not satisfied with my apology, they give me any punishment. (Weh mujhe jis sooli par latkana chahtein hain, latka saktein hain)," he added.

In the latest controversy to hit the party as it campaigns for elections next year in Punjab, Ashish Khetan was booked for comparing the party's manifesto for the upcoming elections with Guru Granth Sahib, the religious scripture of the Sikhs. An FIR was registered against Khetan under Section 295 A (hurting religious sentiments).

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

AAP legislator Naresh Yadav has been questioned on June 24 in regard to Quran sacrilege in Malerkotla in Sangrur district.

Tensions flared in the holy Islamic month of Ramzan as news spread that torn pages Quran were found in a drain in front of the cemetery.

The main accused, Vijay Kumar had claimed he did it at the behest of the AAP's Delhi MLA Yadav.

Yadav alleged that a 'restless' SAD-BJP alliance in Punjab was hatching conspiracies.