Rajasthan BJP Leader Expelled By Party Over Remarks On Gurdwaras

The BJP has expelled is Rajasthan unit leader over his controversial remark on Gurdwara which has upset many party leaders in neighbouring Punjab. Senior BJP leader and former Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, among others, had called for his expulsion.

Onkar Singh Lakhawat, the chairman of the Rajasthan BJP's disciplinary committee, said. "Sandeep Dayma has been expelled from the party on the direction of the state president for making a statement against the ideology of the party".

Speaking recently at an election rally in Rajasthan's Alwar, Sandeep Dayma had  reportedly said that mosques and gurdwaras that have come up will become "open sores" and those should be uprooted.

Mr Dayma has apologised for his remark,  saying he intended to say "mosques and madrassas" but somehow ended up uttering the words "mosques and gurdwaras" by mistake. But Punjab leaders are not placated.

While the party's Punjab unit chief, Sunil Jakhar, said the Rajasthan leader's outburst cannot be condoned, Amarinder Singh sought strict action against Sandeep Dayma.

Amarinder Singh tweeted:

The women's wing chief of the Punjab BJP, Jai Inder Kaur, has filed a complaint with the Chandigarh police against Mr Dayma.

Mr Jakhar said he has apprised the party leadership about the statement of Mr Dayma.

"The outburst of Rajasthan leader against religious sentiments of fellow citizens cannot be condoned. I have apprised central leadership of hurt caused to people by his reprehensible statement," he said.