Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on Friday asked Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh to take prompt action against the State local Bodies Minister, Navjot Singh Sidhu, for insulting the nation and the national flag by allowing several Congress leaders to take part in the ceremonial guard of honour inspection during the Independence Day celebrations in Ferozepur.
“This is a fit case for taking action against the Congress Minister as he is yet to apologise and express remorse for breaching the sanctity of a solemn occasion,” said the former Minister and SAD spokesperson, Maheshinder Singh Grewal.
He said: “Dealing with Sidhu with a heavy hand has also become a matter of urgency because an insidious attempt is being made to shift responsibility to a hapless police inspector.”
Stating that the serious insult to national pride occurred solely due to Sidhu, Grewal said that the local Bodies Minister took the four Congress leaders along with him to the parade ground after alighting from the stage.
Grewal also asked the Chief Minister to circulate rules of conduct on national functions to all Ministers so that such despicable acts did not reoccur.
“Stern action should be taken against him to set an example for all elected representatives so that a clear message is sent across the board that governance is not a laughter challenge or comedy circus,” he added.