The SAD-BJP alliance has virtually succeeded in turning the tables on the Congress. The coalition not only managed to prevent the Congress from raising the law and order issue in the Assembly by bringing the Tarn Taran police assault victim, but also dented the image of their rivals by projecting them as assaulters of Dalits.
Giving a caste colour to the entire incident of bashing up the watch and ward staff - hailing from SC community, and throwing papers, books on the ‘Chair’, occupied by Akali MlA from Balluana Gurtej Singh Ghuriana — the SC leader, SAD has maintained that the Congress has “intentionally” targeted the Dalits.
On the other hand, the Congress has been alleging that the ruling coalition has been trying to divert the entire issue to “run away” from discussing real issues of State’s poor fiscal health, worsening law and order situation, security, police atrocities among others.
The strategic move by the ruling coalition assumes significance with the ensuing parliamentary polls on mind as around 30 per cent of Punjab’s population comprised Dalit community - the highest in the country. Even during 2012 Assembly polls, the Dalits played a crucial role in SAD-BJP alliance’s return to power.
The treasury benches pressed upon the Speaker Charanjit Singh Atwal to take stern action against the “erring” Congress legislators to set an example that no other member dare to do such a thing in future.
All the 18 MlAs from the treasury benches, hailing from the Dalit community, in fact, demanded disqualification of the Congress MlAs who beat up the “Dalit guard”.
Even, Revenue Minister Bikram Majithia went on to say that roughing up a “Dalit watch and ward staff can turn into a major issue.
He cautioned the Speaker against another “Vienna violence” incident.
“We are answerable to the people. They will ask us, and even Sunil Jakhar what action has been taken against the MlAs who attacked their community member. It can turn into a major issue. Just as Punjab was affected after Sant Ramanand’s death in 2009 in Vienna, the echo of this incident will be heard outside if prompt action would not be taken against the erring MlAs,” he added.
Industries Minister Anil Joshi claimed that the Congressmen were beating the guard while asking about his name, residence, village, and even caste. On the other hand, Congress MlA Kuljit Singh Nagra, accused of beating the guard, said: “We were not aware that he is a Dalit. It’s all false allegation just to divert the attention from the real issue.” leader of Opposition Sunil Jakhar added, “We raised the issue of Dalit Tarn Taran victim, and to cover up their wrong deeds, they are indulging into dirty tactics.”