Raipur, August 14: Former Deputy Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, T.S. Singh Deo, expressed his sorrow over the attack on Shiromani Akali Dal President Sukhbir Singh Badal in Nanded. He demanded a thorough investigation and strict punishment for those responsible. Singh Deo also raised concerns regarding the proposed FCRA bill, stating that it would grant unlimited powers to investigative agencies.
In response to the purification comments following Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge’s rally, Singh Deo remarked that such thinking reflects a “distorted mentality.” He defended Congress’s consistent stance on the paper leak issue against allegations from the BJP.
Singh Deo described the attack on Badal as “a very tragic incident” and insisted that it must be investigated, with severe penalties for the guilty. Regarding the purification comments, he stated, “Only those with a distorted mindset can talk about purification. A person who has risen from humble beginnings to become the leader of the opposition in the highest house of the country should not be subjected to such sentiments.”
Addressing accusations from the BJP regarding Congress’s differing stance during the Jharkhand protests, Singh Deo questioned, “Where is the difference? During the protests in Delhi, Rahul Gandhi stated that Congress stands with youth issues. We have consistently raised these concerns. Rahul Gandhi has held three meetings in various cities, with a fourth planned. Congress has always condemned wrongdoings. Regardless of the government, action must be taken against the paper leak.”
On the FCRA, he mentioned, “This bill has not yet passed. It will be sent to a committee for discussion before being presented in the house. If it passes, it will become law. The current form has been sent for discussion, and based on the consensus and opinions, it will be brought back to Parliament.”
Singh Deo further criticized the powers granted to the ED, stating, “You have given an agency the authority to arrest anyone. People are being detained for months, either getting bail or not being convicted. This effectively punishes them without trial. The provisions in the FCRA are similar. The way this law is being drafted will give institutions the power to act as they wish.”
T.S. Singh Deo concluded by expressing hope for a more enlightened perspective among those holding outdated views.
Leave a Comment