DW BUREAU / chandigarh President of Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee Sunil Jakhar today said that the revelations by Dera Sacha Sauda that they had extended support to Sukhbir Singh Badal led Shiromani Akali Dal in 2017 assembly polls has exposed the nefarious nexus that exists between them. The best existence of this nexus which was suspected by people so far has now been proven to be true by dera's admission of having voted for Akalis.Interacting with the media, the Punjab Congress Chief, accompanied by Cooperation Minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa said that it was unfortunate that the Akali Dal which proclaims itself as 'panthic outfit' joined hands with a Dera excommunicated for panth just for the sake of political power. He said that infact Sukhbir led Akali Dal backstabbed the panth by hobnobbing with the Dera to remain in power. Jakhar said that the admission by Dera followers has established beyond any doubt that a deal was struck between Sukhbir and Dera Chief as per which the latter was granted pardon and his movie was screened across the state, much to the dismay of Punjabis. The Punjab Congress Chief said that Sukhbir Badal's anti-Sikh face has been exposed by the Dera itself adding that the candid admission by the Dera followers that they had supported the Sukhbir led Akali Dal in 2017 assembly polls reflects the strong bond between Dera and Sukhbir's Akali Dal. Jakhar said that it crystal clear that Sukhbir had done some secret deal with Dera for seeking their vote and support in the polls. He said that the people of state in general and Sikhs in particular would never forgive Sukhbir for this sin, which has pushed Punjab into turbulent times.The Punjab Congress Chief said that the public confession by the Dera supporters was a proof that Sukhbir ignored the interests of the state and the Sikhs for the sake of his own political interests. He said that hitherto Dera had never admitted giving political support to any party but now their admission has made it clear that Akali Dal and Dera were complimentary to each other for securing their interests that too at the cost of Punjab and its people. Jakhar said that series of unfortunate events like desecration of Sri Guru Granth Sahib, firing at Behbal kalan, pardon for Dera Chief and allowing the screening the movie of Dera chief in Punjab spoke volumes of the well knitted bond between Akali Dal and the Dera. The Punjab Congress President said that though the Police was looking into the criminal aspect of all the unfortunate incidents after 2015 but press conference by the Dera followers has exposed the strong bonding of Sukhbir with anti-Sikh forces. (editor@dailyworld.in)