Phagwara (Punjab), June 08: BJP today expressed displeasure at Akal Takht's decision to declare militant leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale a "martyr", but said this would not affect its alliance with Shiromani Akali Dal. "The alliance of BJP with SAD is principled and solid like a rock," Punjab BJP general secretary Rajinder Bhandari said here.

The BJP did not want to interfere in the religious affairs of Sikhs, but felt it would have been better if Bhindranwale had not been declared a martyr by Akal Takht on June 6, he said.

"Akal Takht has its own 'maryada' (code of conduct) and our party will not poke its nose into it (but) it would have been good if (this) had not happened," Bhandari said.
Yesterday, Punjab BJP chief Brij Lal Rinwa had described as "unfortunate" Bhindranwale Beinf named as "martyr" and said his party would take up the issue with SAD.
Bureau Report