Khattar rejects calls for resignation, says whatever govt did was right

At a time when Haryana government's role in handling the fallout of Baba Ram Rahim's case verdict is being questioned, Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar ruled out his resignation after meeting with BJP chief Amit Shah Wednesday. 

"Let them demand (resignation), we have handled the situation well," the CM stated despite the courts coming down heavy on the BJP-ruled state for mishandling of crowd that led to 38 deaths of Dera supporters in police firing.

Khattar, who submitted a report to Shah on the law and order situation in the state, also denied that the BJP had brokered a deal with self-styled godman, who was convicted in two rape cases, ahead of last assembly polls -- a charge made by the Dera Ram Rahim headed. 

"It's a democracy, we appeal



all groups and welcome support. That doesn't mean you break law," Khattar stated.

The CM stated that his government acted with "restraint" to ensure tainted Baba reached the court to hear the verdict. He also claimed that the force used by the police was minimal but the deployment demonstrated that even agitators were not spared. 

He also rejected reports of a "VIP treatment" given to the Dera head after he was convicted, saying he was temporarily put up in a guest house as arrangements were being made in the jail.

The non-Jat CM stressed that Dera chief was not given VIP treatment after he was held guilty by the court in rape cases and temporarily put up in a guest house before making arrangements in jail where he was lodged subsequently.