Congress-led Punjab Government has embroiled in another controversy erupted with the appointment of Balwinder Singh Kotlabama — the brother of Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) office-bearer — as the chairman of Punjab Genco Limited, which comes under the Department of New and Renewable Source of Energy.
Balwinder Singh, and considered close to state Cabinet Minister Tript Rajinder Singh Bajwa, is the kin of the US-based ‘banned’ pro-Khalistan outfit Sikhs for Justice’s member Avtar Singh Pannu. Avtar Singh, the coordinator of the SFJ in the United States (US), is said to be number two in the pro-Kahlistani organisation after its chief Gurpatwant Singh Pannu. He is also on the radar of Indian agencies for his pro-Khalistan activities.
Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) has been declared as an ‘Unlawful Association’ by the Indian Government under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
Balwinder’s appointment has now sparked a massive uproar with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) describing it as an “open terror appeasement”. It assumed significance as it came days after Punjab Congress president Navjot Singh Sidhu heaped praises on Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, saying that he was like his elder brother.
“Chief Minister should answer to the people on this,” said SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal.
Blasting the Congress Government in Punjab for “appeasing anti-national and disruptive forces, BJP national general secretary Tarun Chugh said that it was reprehensible the way Channi Government has been buckling under pressure of anti-national forces.
“It looked perfectly in tune with Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee president Navjot Sidhu heaping praise on Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan who has been sending drones, drugs, and ISI agents to India,” said Chugh, adding that the Charanjit Singh Channi government has brought shame to the State by appointing a person who has links with the banned pro-Khalistan elements.
Demanding immediate removal of Kotlabama from the post, Chugh said that the Congress’ support to such anti-national forces would be opposed tooth and nail by the BJP.
