AMRITSAR: Punjab BJP spokesperson Prof. Sarchand Singh Khiala termed the Beadbi (sacrilege) Bill introduced in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha as a mere political stunt by Arvind Kejriwal.
He stated that if the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) were truly honest and sincere about addressing sacrilege cases, then why has not a single culprit been punished since 2015? Taking a dig, he added that during the AAP government’s tenure, the only person convicted in a sacrilege case is their own MLA, Naresh Yadav, who was sentenced to two years in jail.
Prof. Khiala expressed disappointment that instead of holding a serious discussion on the bill in the Assembly, the government chose to criticize the Opposition by raking up the past. “With no achievements to show, all they did was attack others, ” he said.
Prof. Khiala pointed out several flaws in the bill: it includes only a limited list of scriptures — Guru Granth Sahib, Gutka Sahib, the Bhagavad Gita, the Quran, and the Bible — while ignoring the sacred texts of Buddhism, Zoroastrianism, and Jainism. Moreover, it fails to recognize religious symbols rooted in Punjab’s folk traditions and culture. The bill also lacks a clear definition of sacrilege concerning religious places or materials.
He further noted that two out of the four Advocates General appointed by the AAP government had previously represented Dera Sacha Sauda in court.
In conclusion, Prof. Khiala issued a strong warning to Arvind Kejriwal, urging him not to play with the religious sentiments and faith of the people of Punjab.