Sukhbir Singh Badal Vows to Uphold Khalsa Panth Interests, Pledges Continuous Efforts for Punjab’s Development
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- August 20, 2024
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Sukhbir Singh Badal Vows to Uphold Khalsa Panth Interests, Pledges Continuous Efforts for Punjab’s Development
In a powerful speech at the historic Rakkar Poonia Mela, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sardar Sukhbir Singh Badal pledged never to compromise on the principles of the Khalsa Panth while also promising relentless efforts toward Punjab’s development. His address resonated with the large crowd, calling upon the Sikh community to recognize internal and external threats, as certain entities aim to weaken both the Akali Dal and Sikh institutions.
Sukhbir Singh Badal emphasized that the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has been strategically dismantled, with a separate Gurdwara committee established in Haryana. He further accused the RSS and BJP of taking control of the Sri Hazur Sahib Committee and the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee. “If we do not stop these attacks, we will be responsible for the consequences,” he warned.
Badal also took a firm stance against the current Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, highlighting that 17 instances of sacrilege have occurred under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s administration. He criticized the CM for his silence on these incidents and for failing to catch those responsible for the heinous acts. He also mentioned the violation of a religious site’s sanctity in Sultanpur Lodhi by the CM’s orders.
Additionally, Badal underscored how Punjab has regressed in various sectors over the last seven and a half years of Congress and AAP rule. “Neither Congress nor AAP has fulfilled their promises, whether it’s waiving farmers’ debts or making the state drug-free,” Badal remarked. He noted that any development seen today in Punjab is a result of the Shiromani Akali Dal’s tenure under former CM Sardar Parkash Singh Badal. He cited the construction of expressways, thermal power plants, airports, and various social welfare schemes such as the atta-dal scheme, shagun scheme, and SC scholarship program. He stressed that under the SC scholarship initiative, 3.5 lakh Dalit students received free education annually during the SAD’s rule. However, due to continuous scandals and mismanagement, this figure has now dropped to less than one lakh students per year.
The event also featured a speech by Bandi Singh Bhai Gurdeep Singh Khaira, who openly supported the Akali Dal and exposed individuals working against the interests of the Bandi Singhs. He accused figures like Jasbir Singh Rode and Baljit Singh Daduwal of collaborating with central agencies. Khaira further criticized politicians like Manjinder Singh Sirsa and Iqbal Singh Lalpura for acting against the interests of the Bandi Singhs. He also attacked Prem Singh Chandumajra for leading police action during Operation Black Thunder at the Darbar Sahib. Khaira contrasted this with former CM Sardar Parkash Singh Badal’s efforts in ensuring the transfer of several Bandi Singhs to Punjab and securing their parole.
In another powerful address, senior Akali leader Bikram Singh Majithia condemned the injustice faced by Bandi Singhs, highlighting how their prolonged imprisonment violates their human rights. Majithia questioned the central government’s double standards, asking how it justifies the release of Bilkis Bano’s rapists and granting parole to Gurmeet Ram Rahim repeatedly while refusing justice for Bandi Singhs. Majithia also raised concerns about the recent violence in West Bengal, questioning how justice can be expected from a government that failed to protect an innocent woman from brutal crimes. He urged Akali Dal President Sukhbir Singh Badal to write to the President of India, drawing attention to the 2.6 million signatures from Punjabis demanding the release of Bandi Singhs. Majithia also called on the SGPC to initiate a march from Amritsar to Delhi to press for their release. Additionally, he appealed to the so-called reformist Akali factions to avoid opportunistic politics.
SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami addressed the steps taken by the SGPC for the release of Bandi Singhs and explained how certain members of the committee, including Baljit Singh Daduwal and Harmeet Singh Kalka, have undermined these efforts. Dhami also questioned CM Bhagwant Mann’s refusal to prosecute Gurmeet Ram Rahim under Section 295-A, despite multiple requests from the Sikh community.
Other senior Akali leaders, including Gulzar Singh Ranike, Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema, Baljit Singh Jalal Usma, Lakhbir Singh Lodhinangal, Vir Singh Lopoke, Gurbachan Singh Babbehali, and Sarabjit Singh Jhinjar, also addressed the gathering. Their speeches collectively emphasized the ongoing struggles faced by Punjab and the Sikh community and reiterated their commitment to fighting for justice and the state’s progress.
Sukhbir Singh Badal vows to uphold Khalsa Panth principles and prioritize Punjab’s development. Addresses threats to Sikh institutions, criticizes AAP government for sacrilege incidents, and calls for justice for Bandi Singhs.
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