New Delhi, December 13: As Kamal Nath has seemingly taken a lead in the passive race for the chief ministerial post against Jyotiraditya Scindia, the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has stood up in protest, citing his alleged links to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. The Punjab-based party has warned of a nationwide stir if the Congress hands Nath the top job in Madhya Pradesh.

Manjinder Singh Sarsa, the lone Akali legislator in the Delhi assembly, has demanded Rahul Gandhi to not to "hurt the sentiments" of Sikhs by appointing Nath as Madhya Pradesh CM. The decision, he said, would lead to massive outrage from members of the minority community. Madhya Pradesh CM Race: Rahul Gandhi Signals Cohesion, Tweets Photo With Kamal Nath, Jyotiraditya Scindia.

"(I am) warning Rahul Gandhi of Sikhs' anger if he followed his family's tradition of rewarding butchers of 1984 Sikh genocide," Sirsa told news agency PTI.

Earlier in 2016, Nath was forced to step down as Congress' election in-charge in Punjab, after the Akali Dal accused the party of "rubbing salt" on the wounds of Sikh community.

The Congress veteran has so far denied the allegations levelled against him, calling it a smear campaign by his political opponents.

Former Madhya Pradesh CM Digvijaya Singh said the charges levelled against Nath were frivolous and politically motivated. The Nanavati Commission set up by former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee had denied his involvement in the riots, Digvijaya pointed out.

Meanwhile, the Congress is yet to take a final call on who would lead their governments in Madhya Pradesh. While Nath is tipped ahead in the CM race, the second contender - Scindia - had reportedly refused to relent. Peace was brokered between the two by party president Rahul Gandhi. The final decision on next Chief Minister of the state is expected by tonight.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 13, 2018 10:05 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).