I Should Be Applauded for My Role in the 1984 Riots: Kamal Nath

He raised questions on why the issue of his alleged role in the riots was being raked up after 32 years.

Senior Congress leader Kamal Nath was allegedly involved in the 1984 anti-sikh riots. (Photo: IANS)

On Thursday, Congress leader Kamal Nath denied outright that the party asked him to resign as General Secretary in-charge of Punjab over his alleged role in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.

He said that he stepped down to ensure that attention was not diverted from the issues affecting the state.

He also raised questions on why the issue of his alleged role in the riots was being raked up after 32 years.

In an interview with NDTV, he said, “Why should I have regret, I did a Yeoman service during the 1984 riots, I should be applauded.”

He lashed out at opposition parties including the AAP, BJP and Akali Dal and said that raising the entire 1984 controversy now was a political ploy to divert attention.

He claimed that the real issues affecting Punjab– such as drugs, the plight of farmers, mis-governance– are being ignored.

Nath also rubbished suggestions that the Nanavati panel absolved him due to “lack of evidence”, and said that the report should be read in its entirety.

On his presence outside Delhi Gurudwara Rakabganj on November 1, 1984, Nath said

The Police requested me to keep the crowd engaged at Rakabganj Gurudwara near Parliament House till reinforcements arrived; I did just that. I left as soon as I saw the reinforcements arrive.

In an interview to India Today , Kamal Nath also said he was prepared to face any probe.

There has been a SIT probe, the (Ranganath) Misra Commission enquiry, (G.T.) Nanavati Commission inquiry. I am ready to face any other probe, including CBI.