Summary:
Chandigarh, Dec 2 (PTI) Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal on Thursday alleged that coercive tactics were used to put pressure on Manjinder Singh Sirsa to join the BJP.
Sirsa has been a prominent face of the Akali Dal in Delhi and was a strong supporter of the farmers" protests against the three contentious farm laws.
Badal said that the BJP-led government at the Centre is stooping to a new low in abusing power to deal with democratic opposition.
"You suppress the DSGMC president, slap cases and then point a gun on his head telling either you leave (SAD) or you will be sent behind the bars," Badal said.
"But I am so disappointed and sad that instead of being true to the traditions of his religion against repression, Sirsa chose to bow down.
This was disgraceful, especially coming from someone on whom the Sikh ‘qaum’ (community) and the SAD have bestowed so much honour," Badal said.