Arrest Khaira, demands Sukhbir

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, November 17

Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal has demanded the arrest of Sukhpal Singh Khaira, and asked AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal to tell Punjabis for “how long they will shield a drug accused”.

Addressing a press conference here, Sukhbir said it was for the first time that a Leader of Opposition had been named in a drug racket on the basis of “compelling evidence”. “Now the time has come for AAP to act. It has been projecting itself as a party with a difference. It has always talked about morality and ethics in politics as well as a zero tolerance for drugs. But it has not taken any action against Khaira so far. Even Kejriwal has maintained a stoic silence.”

He said the HC rejection of his plea pointed out that Khaira and his PA had been named in a judgment by Faridkot court in which all accused, including Gurdev Singh, had been awarded a 20-year sentence. It had also been stated that the accused used to fund the AAP leader’s election campaign, he alleged.

Sukhbir said the Congress government must file a challan in the case. He claimed that the court had also made it clear that no vendetta had been exercised against Khaira in the case.

BJP reiterates resignation demand

Chandigarh: The state BJP on Friday asked Sukhpal Khaira to resign as Leader of Opposition. In a statement, state vice-president Harjit Grewal and vice-president Vineet Joshi asked why was AAP silent on serious allegations against Khaira? TNS

‘Won’t resign, will fight legal battle’

Chandigarh: Even as the rival political parties demanded his resignation following an adverse court order on Friday, Leader of Opposition Sukhpal Khaira said he would not resign and fight the case. "I have legal options like filing review petition in the High Court and the Supreme Court," he said.