Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal has blamed the Congress for spreading unrest in the state.
In a counter to protests by Sikh radical groups in Punjab, the ruling Shiromani Akali Dal along with its ally BJP will hold a rally in the party's stronghold in Bathinda on Monday in a show of strength.
The Sikh radical groups have called for a statewide shutdown today which was announced at a Sarbat Khalsa (congregation of Sikh religious groups) held in Amritsar to press for the release of two jathedars (leaders).
Massive security arrangements have been put in place at the rally ground in Bathinda where Chief Minister Prakash Singh Badal and his son and Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal are likely to take on critics over the dominance of the Badal family in the state. Party workers from five districts will attend what is being termed as 'Sadbhawana Rally' to ensure a huge turn-out. A large number of police personnel including paramilitary forces have been deployed at the venue.
Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal had yesterday accused the Congress of fanning unrest in the state by encouraging anti-national elements and secessionist forces.
Punjab has been rocked by massive protests after police last month allegedly opened fire on people sitting on a protest against the desecration of Guru Granth Sahib at Bargari village of Faridkot district in which two persons were killed and 37 others injured. State and highways were blocked for almost a fortnight following incidents of desecration of the holy book.