Terrorists' release unlikely, HM sugarcoats his words

The strain between Bharatiya Janata Party and its ally Shiromani Akali Dal was palpable even at the venue of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Gandhinagar on Friday

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Although Home Minister Rajnath Singh said the Union government would decide on Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal’s plea for release of 13 incarcerated
terrorists only after consulting him.

“As of now, I have not seen the letter, have not read its contents. I can comment only after reading the letter,” Home Minister told journalists on the sideline of the PBD 2015, when he was asked to comment on Badal’s recent letter to Chief Ministers of five states.

Badal has sought premature release of 13 terrorists convicted in various cases, including the assassination of his predecessor Beant Singh.

Badal’s plea is likely to add to the strains in BJP’s ties with SAD, as it already soured over rampant narcotics trade and addictions in Punjab.

Hardline approach

The BJP-led government at the Centre is unlikely to endorse the Badal’s request for release of 13 terrorists, as it would go against Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s hardline approach on the issue of terror.

The Union Home Minister however chose to sugarcoat his words, without rejecting Punjab Chief Minister’s plea straightaway.

“I would like to tell you that Parkash Singh Badal is one of the senior most leaders and whatever we will do will be done after careful deliberations. The decision on it will be taken only after talking to him,” he said.

While addressing the expat Indians on the concluding day of the PBD-2015, Badal deplored that Punjab was being criticised for narcotics abuse.

His comment was apparently an attempt to take a dig at the BJP, as the Centre of late stepped up pressure on the state government to curb narcotics trafficking and abuse.