NEW DELHI, Nov 5: The BJP on Sunday expelled its Rajasthan unit leader over his controversial remark on Gurdwaras which has upset many in the state. Former Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, among others, had called for his expulsion.
Speaking recently at Tijara in Alwar district in Rajasthan’s, Sandeep Dayma had said, “See how many mosques, Gurdwaras have been built here! This will become an ulcer for us in the future. That is why it is our duty that this ulcer be uprooted and thrown out.”
BJP leaders in Punjab had sought the expulsion of their party colleague. The women’s wing chief of the Punjab BJP, Jai Inder Kaur, filed a complaint with the Chandigarh police today against Mr Dayma, a leader from Rajasthan.
While Amarinder Singh sought strict action against Sandeep Dayma, the party’s Punjab unit chief, Sunil Jakhar, said the Rajasthan leader’s outburst cannot be condoned.
The BJP leader has since apologised after facing flak for his remarks. Sunil Jakhar said he has apprised the party leadership of Mr Dayma’s reprehensible statement. “The outburst of the Rajasthan leader against the religious sentiments of fellow citizens cannot be condoned. I have apprised central leadership of the hurt caused to people by his reprehensible statement.
“The State BJP unit has recommended exploring all options to ensure no repetition of such misconduct takes place as no apology would assuage the hurt and anger caused by this insensitive remark,” Mr Jakhar said on X. Amarinder Singh also sought strict action against Mr Dayma for his remarks and said people like Sandeep Dayma, who speak mindlessly and make vicious statements, should have no place in a party like the BJP.
“His apology has served no purpose as it had already caused immense hurt to well-meaning people,” said Captain Singh, a member of the BJP’s national executive. Not only should he be expelled from the party, but legal action must also be taken against him, he said. The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) also condemned the Rajasthan BJP leader’s remarks.
(Manas Dasgupta)
