Tribune news service
Chandigarh, November 18
A new dispute has emerged between the BJP and the Shiromani Akali Dal over the former’s sharp reaction to Akal Takht Jathedar’s statement suggesting that the 2019 Lok Sabha polls were rigged.
Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh had said that “an EVM government was ruling the country.”
BJP leader Harjeet Singh Grewal called Singh “an employee” of a political family and called him “mentally ill.” Grewal said the Jathedar had no business making political statements or calling a democratically elected government an “EVM government.”
The Shiromani Akali Dal has called the BJP’s statement “a dangerous and unprecedented attack on the temporary headquarters of the Sikhs.”
“Such provocative statements can damage the situation of law and order,” SAD spokesman Dr. Daljeet Singh Cheema said in a video message.
Dr. Cheema said that Jathedar had spoken about the forces that were trying to weaken the Sikh Panth and those forces are exposed.
‘Irresponsible comments’
The SAD asked its longtime ally, the BJP, to take note of the irresponsible statements being made against Sri Akal Takth Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh and to ensure that the honor of the head of the highest temporary headquarters of the Sikh community is not look undermined in any way.
Noticing Grewal’s outburst, SAD Senior Vice President Daljit Singh Cheema said it was unfortunate that the former had not only insulted Singh Sahab, who spoke about the challenge facing the Sikh community in the historic celebration of 100 years of the SGPC in Sri Amritsar Sahib on Tuesday, but had also hurt the feelings of the Sikh community around the world.
“The central leadership of the BJP should reject Mr. Harjit Grewal immediately and the latter should retract his statements and express his regret for them.”
Cheema said it was shocking that the BJP state leader had spoken ill of Singh Sahab, who had only informed the Sikh community of anti-Sikh forces that were attacking their principles, religious sites and institutions.
“It seems that Mr. Harjit Grewal feels guilty and has only exposed himself with his statements.”
Stating that Grewal or other BJP leaders should not attempt to confront Sri Akal Takth, who was the supreme temporal and spiritual seat of the Sikhs, the SAD leader enthusiastically welcomed the speech delivered by the Singh Sahib at the “pantonic” meeting. Tuesday.
He said Sri Akal Takth Jathedar had earned the respect of the entire community by defending minorities and highlighting how successive central governments had tried to break the GSTP.
“It has made the panth Sikh aware that such efforts are underway again and that they must confront them in a united way.” He said that the Singh Sahib had spoken with authority and given historical references in his speech to tell the ‘sangat’ about the glorious history of the SGPC.
“Furthermore, Singh Sahib has rightly mentioned that the concept of ‘Miri-Piri, which symbolized worldly and spiritual authority, was part of the Sikh tradition and would continue to be so. There is no reason for anyone to be concerned about this. Instead, everyone should respect Singh Sahab and the seat he represents, ”added Cheema.
