Political parties in Punjab, including the ruling Congress and the BJP, today strongly criticised Aam Aadmi Party senior leader Sukhpal Singh Khaira for reportedly supporting Sikh "referendum" 2020 campaign.
Congress leaders and legislators lashed out at Khaira, the leader of opposition in Punjab Assembly, for his "open and blatant support" to the campaign aimed at seceding Punjab from India and again dividing the country along religious lines.
Chief Minister Amarinder Singh condemned Khaira for "backing secessionism" by supporting the campaign, propounded by Sikh radicals for a separate Sikh homeland.
Yesterday, Khaira reportedly said: "I support the Sikh referendum 2020 movement as Sikhs have the right to demand justice against atrocities suffered by them."
Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia termed Khaira's statement a "proof of divisive politics played by AAP."
Amid the barrage of criticism, Khaira today responded to the Punjab chief minister in a tweet: "I am surpised a leader of your level is tweeting against me without checking his facts, I am not a votary of 2020 but I don't hesitate to point out a consistent policy of discrimination against Sikhs by central governments! Be it attack on Darbar Sahib, genocide of Sikhs leading to 2020."
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