Punjab BJP chief opposes release of terror convicts

The BJP, an ally of the ruling Shiromani Akali Dal in Punjab, today opposed the demand to release of terror convicts by its alliance partner.
"Our party is against the release of jailed terrorists," Punjab BJP President Kamal Sharma told reporters after party's state executive meeting.
He said he fully endorses the stand of party national President Amit Shah over the issue who had yesterday said that BJP is not in agreement with this.
Sharma was responding to the queries about the move by Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal seeking premature release of the 13 convicts including the assassins of former Chief Minister Beant Singh.

SAD President Sukhbir Singh Badal yesterday met Union Home minister Rajnath Singh at New Delhi, demanding "premature" release of convicts and prisoners who have completed their jail term.
Reacting about the ties with Akali Dal, Sharma who was flanked by Cabinet minister Anil Joshi, asserted, "Ours is a long and durable coalition."

Asked about expanding party's base in Punjab, the party state president said it has so far enrolled nine lakh members in the state.
"BJP has now bigger scope and capacity but its consolidation strengthens coalition also and it should not be taken otherwise," he remarked.
Disclosing executive meeting's deliberations, Sharma said the ongoing membership drive, Amritsar anti-drug rally on January 22 and the subsequent 'Nasha-Mukt Punjab Jan Jagran Yatra' and coming municipal councils and corporations polls were discussed in it.

He also said that BJP-SAD alliance would contest the civic polls in February together.