Chandigarh, May 1 (IANS): Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sukhbir Badal on Friday asked Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh to apologise for mismanaging the return of pilgrims from Sri Hazur Sahib in Maharashtra's Nanded.

He also demanded sacking of Health Minister Balbir Singh Sidhu for not following health guidelines which had led to a large number of pilgrims testing positive for coronavirus.

In a statement here, the SAD chief said it was unfortunate that the Chief Minister had failed to give the needed leadership in this hour of crisis.

Sukhbir Badal said though the Chief Minister could not escape the responsibility, he should sack the Health Minister for indulging in criminal negligence by failing to take necessary steps to ensure the safety of the pilgrims.

He said the government did not follow social distancing norms while transporting the pilgrims besides health safety precautions during travel.

"They were not brought to one place before dispersal after quarantine and testing but were instead dropped off at various places without following established norms. The government alone is to blame for this state of affairs. It appears that instead of admitting its mistake an attempt is being made to turn the pilgrims into scapegoats," he said.