AMRITSAR, April 14: Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring today warned that the Divisive forces were trying to polarize people across the country. These forces were now trying to divide Hindus, Sikhs, and Dalits in Punjab. He said, the unity, harmony and brotherhood were being threatened by the same forces. Warring addressed the ‘Samvidaan Bachao Rally’. It was organized to commemorate the birth anniversary of Baba Saheb Ambedkar here today. Warring criticized the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann. He did this for the FIR registered against the Leader of the Opposition in Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Partap Singh Bajwa.

Pawan Khera, read out Gandhi’s message at the rally

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, could not attend the rally personally. In a special message to the people of Punjab, he congratulated them for organizing the congregation. He said that the fight for equality, a cause Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar dedicated his life to, is still ongoing. Congress Spokesperson and Chairman of the AICC’s Media and Publicity Department, Pawan Khera, read out Gandhi’s message at the rally. He had specially come to Amritsar to attend the rally. The PCC president alleged that like at the centre, the BJP was intolerant to criticism. Anyone who spoke against them faced intimidation through agencies like the ED and the CBI. The Punjab government was trying to intimidate its political opponents in the same way. He pointed out, how a case was registered against Partap Singh Bajwa for just speaking the truth.

Divisive forces : Ambedkar wanted to convert to Sikhism: Channi

Speaking on the occasion, former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi paid glowing tributes to Dr Ambedkar, and pointed out how he had ensured equality and opportunities for the marginalized, the Daltis and the downtrodden. Quoting his own example, Channi said, if he had become an MLA or a minister, it was all because of Dr Ambedkar. The former Punjab Chief Minister accused the BJP government at the centre of trying to create a wedge between the Dalits and the Sikhs. He said, the incidents of desecration of Dr Ambedkar’s statue were orchestrated under a well planned conspiracy to divide the two communities. He alleged that the Manuvadi forces were bent upon to make Sikhs and Dalits fight against each other. Channi observed that Sikhism had been most accommodative for the Dalit community. He disclosed that Dr Ambedkar, before converting to Buddhism, had wanted to convert to Sikhism, but was not allowed to do that.

Channi condemned FIR against the Leader of Opposition Partap Bajwa

Channi condemned the AAP government, saying it was the biggest enemy of the Dalits and Sikhs. He said, while the AAP government would display the photographs of Dr Ambedkar, they never followed his teachings. He also condemned the registration of an FIR against the Leader of Opposition Partap Bajwa. Channi said, whoever tries to speak truth, is jailed by the AAP government. Channi accused the AAP government of being the worst enemy of Sikhs and Dalits. He pointed out, the AAP even tried to amend the SGPC Act, which no government had ever done before. Besides, he added, the AAP government was not also filling the reserved category vacancies.

   BJP has so much hatred against Ambedkar, Constitution: Khera

Speaking on the occasion, Pawan Khera alleged that forces inimical to the constitution were still there and that is why there was still a need to protect and defend the constitution. The Congress spokesperson pointed out, neither the Prime Minister Narendra Modi nor the union Home Minister Amit Shah bothered to visit the Central Hall of Parliament to pay tributes to Dr Ambedkar. He wondered why there was so much hatred against Dr Ambedkar and the constitution. The speakers thanked and congratulated senior leader and former minister Dr Raj Kumar Verka for organizing today’s ‘Samvidaan Bachao Sammelan’. Local MP Gurjeet Singh Aujla and AICC Secretary Sukhwinder Singh Danny were among those who also spoke on the occasion.