NDA allies BJP and SAD today came out with divergent views on the apex court order dismissing terrorist Devinderpal Singh Bhullar's plea for commuting his death sentence, with the former demanding implementation of the execution and the latter seeking a Presidential review.
"We are deeply sad at the judgement...We did not expect it. We felt that in this case, instead of going by legal and technical grounds, the sentiments of the community and humanity should have been taken into consideration," General Secretary of Shiromani Akali Dal, P S Chandumajra said.
Maintaining that no one should get an opportunity to disturb the peace and development which has returned after two decades of terrorism in Punjab, he said, "We appeal to the President to review his decision and also appeal to the PM to intervene in the matter as Bhullar is mentally sick."
BJP, which is an alliance partner of the ruling coalition in Punjab, took a different take on the issue.
Commenting on the apex court order, party Vice-President Balbir Punj said, "the Supreme Court judgement must be respected and whatsoever punishment has been awarded by the higher court should be implemented. And there cannot be any exception.
"Those who dare the challenge the authority of the state and those who wage a war against the state and conspire to destabilise the country through arms, should be ready to face the consequences."
Congress, meanwhile, was guarded in its response but made it clear that the party does not believe in intervening into the on-going legal process.
"We respect the judgement of the Supreme Court. We never intervene into legal proceedings. Law should take its own course. We have respect for all judgements of all courts," Congress spokesperson Rashid Alvi said.
Punjab state Congress chief Pratap Singh Bajwa said one has to go with the order since this verdict has come from the highest court of land.
Another NDA ally Janata Party welcomed the Supreme Court's decision. "When the Supreme Court finally pronounces judgement in a murder case, it is necessary to execute it immediately...," party chief Subramanian Swamy said.
