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BARNALA, Punjab (October 13, 2014)—Amritsar’s Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) organized a protest march against the communal march of RSS and Shiv Sena in which they exhibited deadly weapons. This weapon exhibiting March was organized a few days ago in Barnala by RSS and Shiv Seva members.

District President of SAD (Amritsar) Ranjit Singh Sanghera said in this peaceful march that if any communal organization will try to do such atmosphere poisoning activity, Sikhs will deposit their weapons at the police station after snatching them.

He appealed to the locals to boycott such communal people.

It is worth mentioning that police very intelligently bye-passed this march to DC Office after bending it from main bazaar through Kacha College Road. This protest march was started from Gurdwara Nanakpura Gaddakhana.

Party leaders gave a memorandum to DC of Barnala to ban the entire such atmosphere poisoning marches of Shiv Sena and RSS. SGPC member and Senior Party worker Surjit Singh Kalabula, Amarjit Singh Badshahpur, Hardev Singh Pappu Kalyan, Gurnail Singh Rampura (District President Sangrur), Randev Singh Debi (State Youth President), Baba Amarjit Singh Kila Hakeema, Master Karnail Singh Narike, Harjit Singh Sanjuma, Palwinder Singh Kalianwali, Darshan Singh Dheendsa, Harjinder Singh Jawaharke, Joginder Singh Rajgarh, Roshan Singh (Urban President) etc. were present at the march.   

The original Gurdwara Tharha Sahib was demolished and rebuilt

AMRITSAR, Punjab (October 13, 2014)—Kar Sewa to affix gold on domes of historical Gurdwara Tharha Sahib situated in the Harmandir Sahib Complex was started today by the Chief of Damdami Taksal Baba Harnam Singh. Kar Sewa of construction of the building of this Gurdwara was also completed by Damdami Taksal. Bhog of Sri Akhand Path Sahib that was started in relation to this a day before yesterday, was laid.

After the bhog ceremony, Hazoori Ragi Jatha performed heavenly Kirtan and Famous Kathavachak Bhai Pinderpal Singh delighted sangat by illustrating the concept Sewa (Service) and Sewak (Servant). The appointed Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib Giani Gurbachan Singh, Additional Head Granthi Giani Jagtar Singh Ludhiana, Former Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib Bhai Jasbir Singh Rode, Chairman of Religious Preachment Committee of Delhi Gurdwara Management Committee S. Paramjit Singh Rana, and Member of Executive Committee of SGPC S. Rajinder Singh Mehta also expressed their thoughts on this occasion.

While expressing the importance and motive of Gurdwara Tharha Sahib, Giani Gurbachan Singh said selection of this place for Jap (Recitation of name of Lord) and Tap (Meditation) by Guru Teg Bahadur Ji gives a clear message that only those tasks are blessed that are performed in the presence and patronage of our elders, because on one side of this Gurdwara, his father’s holy place Sri Akal Takht Sahib is situated and on the other side his grandfather’s holy place Sri Harmandir Sahib is situated. He said by paying respect to this Gurdwara, Sikhs have to construct a belief in their hearts that they will only salute Guru Granth Sahib Ji.

While talking about the need for money to complete sewa to affix gold on the domes he said, only that Daswandh (1/10^th of income) is acceptable in the Guru’s Court that is spent on tasks that are agreeable with Gurmat principles. At this occasion, a person donated a bracelet of gold and Rs. 110,000, devotees from UK sent Rs.1.3 million and 130 grams of gold through Dhadi Paramjit Singh, and the family of SGPC member Bhagwant Singh Sialka donated Rs. 10,000 for sewa. Ardas (Prayer) for initiating the sewa was performed by Granthi of Sri Harmandir Sahib Giani Amarjeet Singh, following the initiation of preparation of gold Plates in the echo of the ovation ‘Bole so Nihal, Sat Sri Akal’. Chief of Damdami Taksal and Sant Samaj, the self-style union of saints, Baba Harnam Singh Dhumma estimated 14-15 Kilograms of gold will be used in this sewa.

Langar for devotees at the program was distributed without limit.

AMRITSAR SAHIB (October 13, 2014)—A Shaheedi Samagam for Bhai Harjinder Singh ‘Jinda’ and Bhai Sukhdev Singh ‘Sukha’ was held at Village Gadli, Amritsar on 09 October 2014 by Jatha Shaheedan, Damdami Taksal.  After the Bhog of Sri Akhand Paath Sahib, a large scale divan was held in memory of Shaheeds in an open setting, with parkash of Guru Granth Sahib and sangat. 

Hazoori Ragi Bhai Baldev Singh Wadala did Kirtan of Gurbani and also shared vichar with sangat on the jeevans of Bhai Jinda-Bhai Sukha.   After Bhai Wadala, Dhadi Satnam Singh, Kavishar Jaswinder Singh Shaant, Amritsar valiya Bibiya da Dhadi Jatha and Dhadi Satnam Singh Paras sang Bir-Ras vaara, shared jeevan of Shaheeds and paid tributes to their lives and martyrdom. 

Many prominent personalities of the Panth had arrived at the Samagam, including Sri Akaal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh and Bibi Balwinder Kaur Ji, sister of Bhai Jinda, who presented handwritten letters to Jathedar Sahib.

The team of the upcoming Punjabi movie based on the jeevans of Bhai Jinda-Sukha, titled ”Jinda-Sukha” also arrived to capture the moment for their movie.

Akali Dal Panch Pardhani Chairman Bhai Daljit Singh Khalsa (Bittu), SGPC member and President of Panch Pardhani Bhai Kulbir Singh Barapind, Sant Jarnail Singh Ji Bhindrawale’s elder brother Capt Harcharan Singh Rode, Brother of Shaheed Bhai Satwant Singh Bhai Waryam Singh, Karnail Singh Peer Mohammad from AISSF, Baljit Singh Khalsa, editor Vangaar Magazine, Bhai Gurbaksh Singh Khalsa, Bibi Preetam Kaur, wife of Shaheed Bhai Rachpal Singh PA, Bhai Nirmal Singh Nimma were among the prominent Panthik personalities who attended the samagam and paid homage to mahaan Shaheeds and asked Sikh youth and sangat to take inspiration from jeevan of Shaheeds and serve the Panth. 

On this occassion, Mata Gujri Sewa Mission, a UK based charity, honoured Shaheed parivars present at the Samagam. Financial aid was given to 30 Shaheed parivars from Mission. Bhai Daljit Singh Bittu and Bhai Harcharan Singh Rode did the honours. 

The entire Samagam was organized by Jatha Shaheedan UK and Mata Gujri Sewa Mission UK with support of family and blessings of Akaal Purkh and Shaheed Singhs. Family honoured Sewadars of Jatha and MGSM after the Samagam with siropas for the sewa which was carried out.

CHANDIGARH, Punjab (October 15, 2014)—SAD-BJP ties seem to be worsening day by day. After going alone for state assembly elections in Haryana and Maharashtra by ending alliances with other parties, the BJP is planning to contest the state assembly elections in 2017 alone in Punjab.

As per information availed by various sources, senior leaders of Punjab BJP have discussed the possibility of the party contesting the Assembly elections on its own in 2017, instead of tying up with the Shiromani Akali Dal Badal.

A meeting was held in Karnal wherein the issue was discussed, reported by The Tribune.

Though senior BJP leader Tarun Chugh has reportedly denied having given any call to the workers to be ready for contesting the Punjab Assembly elections alone in 2017, sources insist he and other leaders wanted the momentum gained in Haryana to be carried over to Punjab.

Chugh reportedly raised the slogan at the meeting as “Haryana to ek jhanki hai, Punjab abhi baki hai”. As per Tribune’s story, Chug told workers, “We are contesting independently in Haryana and Maharashtra, now we should also get ready to contest elections independently in Punjab”.

On the other hand, Chugh clarified that he was talking about Assembly elections in Bihar and Jharkhand. He claimed he was simply propagating PM Narendra Modi’s idea of rooting out the Congress from the country.

However, a press note about the meeting quoted him saying the results of the Haryana Assembly elections would have far-reaching consequences on the political situation in northern states.

Leaders of the Punjab BJP who attended the meeting included state general secretaries Rakesh Rathore and Jagtar Singh Saini, state vice-president Sarbjit Kaur Bath, state secretaries Archana Dutt and Subhash Sharma, minister Anil Joshi, CPS KD Bhandari, Vice-Chairman (Cabinet rank) Punjab State Planning Board, Chairman Water and Sewerage Board Punjab Vinod Sharma, Chairman of the Khadi Board Harjit Singh Grewal, Chairman of the District Planning Board Hoshiarpur Jawahar Khurana, MP Vijay Sampla, MLA Ashwani Sharma, former Cabinet minister Arunesh Shakar, ex-CPS Raj Khurana, and ex-MP Gurcharan Kaur.

AMRITSAR, Punjab (October 16, 2014)—Punjab Police presented Ratandeep Singh (who was arrested a few days ago) in the court of Duty Justice President Radhika Puri on Friday. After discussing all aspects of the case, Justice Puri gave four days police remand to Bhai Ratandeep Singh.

According to available information, Police argued in court that Ratandeep Singh is to be interrogated in some more cases. Accepting this argument, Justice Puri approved four days police remand of Bhai Ratandeep Singh. It is worth mentioning that police had already taken 22 days police remand of Ratandeep Singh. According to reports, he was tortured heavily during this time and now he will be cruelly tortured again in the next 4 days.

Ratandeep Singh was arrested a few days back by Counter Intelligence Police from Gorakhpur.

Ratandeep Singh was wanted in India for the last 15 years. He is accused in many bomb blast cases in India. Police alleged that Bhai Ratandeep Singh is very trained and skilled in preparing explosives.

Baba Baljit Singh Daduwal addressing the media reporters after being released

FRIDKOT, Punjab (October 16, 2014)—A day after the election campaign in Haryana, the Faridkot high officials on Tuesday accepted the bail bonds of Sikh preacher and Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (HSGMC) Baba Baljit Singh Daduwal and his two aides.

Sub-Divisional Magistrate Shruti Sharma Pandey accepted the bonds of Baba Daduwal and his supporters Harjinder Singh and Randhir Singh for Rs 50,000 each. She ordered their release from preventive detention in Central Jail, Faridkot.

While addressing the media persons outside the jail, Baba Daduwal claimed the main aim behind detaining him was to prevent him from campaigning against the Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal) candidate from Mandi Kallianwali in Haryana. He claimed there is a considerable number of his followers in several villages in Sirsa district (Haryana) who were part of Kallianwali constituency.

He said, “It is a political vendetta. I was arrested on frivolous grounds. The SAD (B) leaders were miffed when they got to know I will campaign against their candidate,” asking, “How can my release coincide with the culmination of campaign in Haryana?”

Baba Daduwal and his two supporters, on October 9, were re-arrested moments after their release on the orders of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. They were held under Section 107/151 of the CrPC (preventive detention). 

SRI AMRITSAR, Punjab (October 17, 2014)—Sikh crusader Bhai Gurbaksh Singh Khalsa has written a letter to Shiromani Gurdwara Prabhandhak Committee (SGPC) president Avtar Singh Makkar seeking his permission to sit a hunger strike at the premises of Gurdwara Amb Sahib (Patshahi 7^th) Mohali on the issue of rights of Sikh political prisoners.

Bhai Khalsa had carried out a hunger strike for 44 days at the same Sikh shrine some months ago in order to endure the release of Sikh detainees who have completed their imprison terms but still have been languishing in various jails of India. Bending before his hunger strike, the government had released 4 Sikh detainees on parole.

In the letter, the Sikh leader urged the supreme body to identify the place within Gurdwara Amb Sahib complex where he could start his hunger strike after Bandi Chhor Diwas.

It is noteworthy that Bhai Khalsa has already given an ultimatum to the government to release the Sikh prisoners before Bandi Chhod Diwas, after which he warned of starting a “decisive struggle” to secure the permanent release of Sikh political prisoners. He says he would sit on indefinite hunger strike after Diwali if seven Sikh political prisoners - namely Gurmeet Singh, Lakhwinder Singh, Shamsher Singh, Lal Singh, Waryam Singh and Gurdeep Singh and Prof. Devenderpal Singh Bhullar – are not released from jail.

Daduwal: Gurdwara Sahib will be released from SGPC Possession

SGPC Member: Daduwal will not be allowed to enter Gurdwara, local residents will perform seva 

File Photo: Baba Baljit Singh Daduwal addressing the media after being released

BATHINDA, Punjab (October 17, 2014)—As per emerging reports, Baba Daduwal’s supporters and SGPC members could collide at anytime for the possession of Gurdwara Jandalisar Sahib.  A minor clash was avoided yesterday, however tensions are still high after the SGPC has tried to stop gurdwaras from being taken over by the newly formed Haryana Gurdwara Management Committee.

After being released from jail, Baba Daduwal said, “Owner of the land of Gurdwara Sahib, namely Ugar Singh, Bhinder Singh and Mahinder Singh, handed us the possession on September 9, 1999, and we have continued this seva according to Gurmaryada.”  He added, “SGPC member Amrik Singh has unfairly possessed the Gurdwara Sahib now, and it will be released from his possession at any cost, and the decision of permitting seva of Gurdwara Sahib will be given to the Sikh devotees of the village.”

Baba Daduwal informed us that local Sikh devotees of the village visited him to hand over the seva of the Gurdwara Sahib, but “as this case is pending in court, so we should wait for the decision of the court.”

On the other hand, SGPC member Amrik Singh Nambardar said that there is no relation of Baba Daduwal with the Gurdwara Sahib, and he will not be permitted to enter the Village. He refuted accusations by Baba Daduwal of violating maryada.  He said that the management of the Gurdwara Sahib will remain in the hands of local villagers. 

It should be noted that Baba Baljit Singh Daduwal was released recently after numerous attempts by the local Punjab Government to keep him detained under multiple cases.  Him and SGPC, along with Akali Dal (B), opposed each other for the control of Gurdwaras in Haryana.

AMRITSAR SAHIB (October 19, 2014)—BJP’s veteran leader and Indian Vice Prime Minister, LK Advani, on Saturday arrived at the Beas (District Amritsar) based Radha Soami cult to call on its head Gurinder Dhillon. As per sources, Advani is scheduled to have a lengthy stay at the cult headquarters.

The visit of the BJP senior leader has added an interesting twist to the political landscape of Punjab. Experts feel that the motive of the visit is not unclear anymore, especially after the latest developments in SAD-BJP relations. The relations between SAD-BJP are at an all time low.

Advani landed at Amritsar airport on Saturday evening. Leaders of BJP’s state unit welcomed him. Kamal Sharma, chief of state unit, Tarun Chugh, the national secretary of the party, Anil Joshi, Navjot K Sidhu, chief parliamentary Secretary, Amritsar Mayor Bakshi Ram Arora and others were here to welcome the senior most leader

Gurinder Dhillon, cult of Radha Soami Cult

of the saffron party.

After having tea with the BJP leaders at the Airport, he straightway moved toward Beas. At Beas, he is expected to stay put till Sunday afternoon. After fulfilling his motive there, he will again take a flight to Delhi from the same airport.

The interesting fact is that Advani who will be in Punjab for almost 18 hours, is neither scheduled nor expected or likely to call on any SAD leader as per the programme till now.

CHANDIGARH, Punjab (October 19, 2014)—After receiving huge response from Punjabi masses for block buster Punjabi film ‘Sadda Haq’, noted actor and producer Kuljinder Singh Sidhu has come up with his new Punjabi film ‘Yoddha – The Warrior’ which is scheduled to be released on October 31. All arrangements have been made for the release of the film.

This film is based on the life of a simple person but circumstances turn him into a warrior who fights against the atrocities of the establishment and its agents.

The role of hero is played by Kuljinder Singh Sidhu himself in the movie which is directed by Mandeep Benipal, whereas story of the movie is written by Amardeep Singh Gill and Kuljinder Sidhu himself.

It is noteworthy that Kuljinder Singh Sidhu is son of late S. Mohinder Singh, senior journalist of ‘Akali Patrika’ who was a large sympathizer of Sikh freedom struggle launched by Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale. S. Mohinder Singh was very fond of Sant Ji and he has also written a book ‘Te Neeh Rakhi Gai” that is based on the Sikh freedom struggle and the aftermath of the Indian Army attack on Sri Darbar Sahib in Amritsar. Also, Sidhu’s elder brother Bhai Arvinder Singh Goldy was an armed Sikh fighter and was martyred by Indian troops in an encounter. In view of Panthik background, it is hoped that this new film will also have a positive impact on the Sikh youth.

AMRITSAR SAHIB, Punjab (October 19, 2014)—A meeting of the executive committee of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) is going to be held on Monday at Fatehgarh Sahib during which the issue of extending aid to flood hit Sikhs of Jammu and Kashmir will be discussed.

As per sources, the SGPC is expected to extend a financial aid ranging from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh to the Sikh families that are reeling under the aftermath of devastating floods in Jammu and Kashmir.

The SGPC has constituted a sub-committee to take stock of the loss of life and property caused due to the floods in Jammu and Kashmir. The committee had extensively toured the Kashmir valley for around a week before submitting its report to SGPC chief Avtar Singh Makkar.

The panel has reported that around 124 houses belonging to the Sikhs were destroyed in the floods, out of which 50 per cent were completely damaged. It has recommended that Rs 1 lakh be given to the Sikh families whose houses were totally destroyed while Rs 50,000 to those having partial damage in their residential units. 

Bhai Jagtar Singh Hawara presented in court chaining and handcuffing him by Delhi Police

:dateline:Violating human rights gravely, Delhi Police reportedly presented Bhai Jagtar Singh Hawara, Sikh freedom fighter, before the court in relation to a case by chaining and handcuffing him. The move left Sikh organizations furious.

Bhai Jagtar Singh Hawara is facing life imprisonment in Delhi’s Tihar Jail in the Beant assassination case. His photos went viral today on social media which show that he was chained by the police while bringing him to the court complex.

In a press statement issued here, Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) secretary of Dharam Parchar said that Sikh activist Gurbaksh Singh Khalsa has brought the issue into their notice that the human rights of Bhai Jagtar Singh Hawara was being violated. He said by chaining and handcuffing Jagtar Singh Hawara during his court appearance, the Delhi police has violated guidelines issued by the Supreme Court of India.

He alleged that the Delhi police was responsible for the torture of Bhai Jagtar Singh Hawara as the police made him to climb at least 50 stairs of the court complex. He said that Jagtar Singh Hawara has acute back pain problems and he recently underwent treatment at AIIMS. He said that it was no less than a torture to compel a person with acute back problem to climb stairs.

CHANDIGARH, India (October 19, 2014)—After breaking ties with Shiv Sena in Maharashtra and Haryana Janhit Congress in Haryana, the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders in Punjab have begun to flex their muscles making their old coalition partner Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) led by Parkash Badal, nervous. Huge success received by the saffron party has encouraged its leaders furthermore to go alone in Punjab. This development haunts SAD top brass.

Although SAD leaders claim all is well with its partner and they are sure the SAD-BJP alliance will continue to rule over the state, they admit that they will have to prepare for any possible occurrence. They hope the BJP will not break the coalition at this moment despite pressure of its state leaders since the SAD helped BJP in making its image secular at the national level.

These days, BJP is talking tough on issues of governance and demanding an equal say in running the government in the state. Such developments worry SAD,  and Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Badal is upset over the way his government is being snubbed by the Modi-led government at the Centre as if it were dealing with an opposition-ruled state although the BJP is a partner in the state government.

Leaders of SAD apprehend that the BJP would contest Punjab assembly general elections due in 2017 alone. However, Badal’s son and deputy CM Sukhbir Badal does not like to be pressurized by the junior alliance partner. He is confident to win the elections on his own if need arises.

Systematic efforts being made by the SAD to bring Congress MLAs into its fold, make them resign and win the by-elections can be seen in this context. These are to ensure its government has no problem if the BJP suddenly snaps the ties. The SAD has 57 legislatures, two short of a majority in the 117-member Assembly. Whereas the BJP has 12 MLAs in the House.

Traditional section of the SAD is suggesting to return to the Panthik agenda to retain its vote bank in the rural areas to combat the BJP’s quiet attempts for a reverse polarisation to consolidate the non-Sikh votes.

Bhai Gurbakhash Singh Khalsa submits list of Sikhs detainees

AMRITSAR SAHIB, Punjab (October 20, 2014)—Sikh rights crusader Bhai Gurbaksh Singh Khalsa, who had last year observed a fast for 44 days demanding the release of Sikh political prisoners, on Sunday submitted a list of 101 Sikh detainees to Giani Gurbachan Singh, appointed Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib.

Bhai Khalsa, along with his aides, met the Jathedar here during which he made an appeal to the Jathedar to take measures for the release of the Sikh detainees who have been languishing in jails despite the expiration of their terms.

Bhai Khalsa said he was accountable to the Sikh community over the culmination of his protest. He also said that he was a dedicated Sikh and was bound to honour the order of Sri Akal Takht Sahib.

Bhai Gurbakhsh Singh asserted that “It was only after an assurance from Giani Gurbachan Singh on getting Sikh detainees released that I had ended my fast. But he has so far not kept his words. I have handed over a list of Sikh prisoners to the Jathedar.”

The Jathedar assured him that steps were being initiated for the release of Sikh prisoners. “I will take up the matter with Chief Minister Parkash Badal to avoid further delay,” Giani Gurbachan Singh said.

Bhai Khalsa also appealed to Sikh youth to support the call for Punjab bandh, general strike, on November 1 given support by All India Sikh Students Federation (AISSF) led by Karnail Singh Peermohammad.

AMRITSAR SAHIB (October 21, 2014)—Canadian revenue Minister Kerry Lynne D Findlay paid obeisance at Darbar Sahib along with an official of the Canadian High Commission from New Delhi. Findaly also visited the Guru Ram Dass Langar, and expressed interest in Sikh history.

The secretary of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) Manjit Singh along with Daljit Singh Dedi and Mahinder Singh Ahli and others honoured the Minister with a siropa, a model of Darbar Sahib and a set of books.

Speaking to the media, Findlay mentioned that it was her first visit to Darbar Sahib and she found it very peaceful. She added that she hopes to visit again. Findlay mentioned that Sikhs make up a small part of the Canadian population but have contributed tremendously.

FATEHGARH SAHIB, Punjab (October 22, 2014)—The executive panel of Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has resolved to grant a financial aid of two crore rupees to the Sikh families who have been affected by floods in Jammu and Kashmir.

The core panel met on Monday in the meeting hall of Baba Banda Singh Bahadar Engineering College, Fatehgarh Sahib, as reported by a press release issued by the SGPC. In the meeting, the decision was taken. The release read that the amount to be provided to these families was decided on the basis of recommendations made by the sub-committee constituted to collect data of loss of life and property in the flood-hit state.

The beneficiaries have been divided into three categories. Those in the first category will receive Rs 1 lakh, second category Rs 50,000 and third category Rs 25,000, depending upon the extent of damage caused to their houses during the floods.

In addition, the supreme Sikh body has resolved to give Rs 50,000 each to the next of kin of those killed during the floods. The same amount will be given to the families of those killed when a bus was drowned during the floods in Poonch-Rajouri. The SGPC has already declared an aid of Rs 5,000 per month to the students from J&K. It also gave its nod for the purchase of 30 buses for the SGPC-run institutions.

Makkar

SRI FATEHGARH SAHIB, Punjab (October 22, 2014)—Cheering over the historic victory of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Haryana, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has decided to urge the new Haryana Government to withdraw the resolution passed by the previous Congress government for the formation of a separate Gurdwara management body for the state.

Addressing a high level meeting of SGPC, president Avtar Singh Makkar said, “Although the case in this regard is pending in the supreme court, we will try to convince the BJP government to review the move of the previous Congress government to divide Sikhs.”

On being asked on allotting kar sewa of Sikh Gurdwaras in Pakistan to the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management committee (DSGMC), Makkar said it was up to the Pakistan Government to allot the work of renovation of shrines there. He told that he had also offered the services for the renovation of historical shrines there and called on senior ministers in that regard. However, the government there preferred to allot the “seva” to the DSGMC, he said.

Bhupinder Singh Hooda

PATIALA, Punjab (October 22, 2014)—Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda’s controversial decision to give his nod to a separate Gurdwara management committee for Sikhs in Haryana just ahead of the Assembly elections failed to win votes for the Congress party.

The party has been routed in nearly all the assembly segments having considerable Sikh voters. Interestingly, the BJP won around two-thirds of around 18 assembly segments with significant Sikh votes. Barring Kaithal, from where senior Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala was in fray, Congress candidates lost elections in all such constituencies.

Much to Congress’s chagrin, it was not even in direct fight with the winning candidates in most of these assembly segments. Except in five seats-Dabwali, Guhla Cheeka, Kalawali, Narayangarh and Ambala Cantt-Congress candidates couldn’t even secure second position in the 18 ‘Sikh seats.’

The results suggest that Haryana Sikhs are hardly appeased by the four-month-old controversial decision of Hooda government forming a separate Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (HSGMC).

“At the first instance, it may appear that Congress supported a separate Gurdwara management body due to Haryana Sikhs’ aspirations of self-determination. However, it worked quite contradictory. Sikhs perceived that the Congress was resorting to its mischief of dividing Sikh the community. In Haryana, Sikhs still consider Amritsar as their religious centre and Amritsar-based SGPC as their own body. Today’s results have reaffirmed this,” said Kurukshetra resident Tejinderpal Singh Dhillon, senior vice-president of Haryana unit of SAD (Badal).

An assembly segment that epitomizes Sikhs’ reluctance towards Congress despite announcement of HSGMC is Pehowa, which is dominated by Sikh population.

Here, Congress candidate Mandeep Singh Chatha, son of outgoing Haryana revenue minister Harmohinder Singh Chhatha, finished third. This despite the fact that senior Chatha, who has been representing this segment since 2009, had played a crucial role in the formation of the separate Haryana Sikhs’ body.

Of the total 18 such segments, the BJP has won 11, including Guhla Cheeka, Karnal, Shahbad, Yamunagar, Assandh, Ambala City, Ambala Cantt and Nilokheri. INLD won five such seats, including Dabwali, Ratia and Sirsa, whereas SAD grabbed Kalawali.

Ashutosh Kumar, professor of political science at Punjab University, said, “Haryanvis are not the same what they used to be 15-20 years ago. The traditional mode of electioneering worked neither in Lok Sabha nor in the Assembly elections. The BJP’s victory in Haryana is comprehensive and the issue of better governance has overshadowed issues of identity politics. No doubt, most Sikhs from Haryana wanted a separate body, but that didn’t deter them from choosing a government which they believed would govern better than others.”