Apology is for mistakes, not for crimes: Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann after Sukhbir Badal seeks ‘unconditional forgiveness’ from Akal Takht

Hoshiarpur, August 6

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday attacked Sukhbir Singh Badal over the 2015 sacrilege incidents after the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief sought “unconditional forgiveness” for “all mistakes” when his party was in power, saying an apology is for mistakes, not for crimes.

• Sukhbir’s apology means nothing; SAD, SGPC stand exposed: Experts
• Key SAD panels rally behind Badal, approve his decision to expel rebels

Addressing a gathering at State Van Mahotsav event here, CM Mann further said his government is collecting “new evidences” in the 2015 incidents pertaining to desecration of Guru Granth Sahib and asserted that exemplary punishment will be given to the guilty.

Apparently referring to Badal, CM Mann said some people are asking for forgiveness for their mistakes.

“After some reporters asked about it, I said an apology is for mistakes, not for crimes. There is punishment for crimes. You committed crimes,” said CM Mann without taking anybody’s name.

A mistake may be committed knowingly or unknowingly but what is committed intentionally is a crime, he asserted.