E-Paper
SAD’s debacle ‘deadly’ for Sikhs, country, says Akal Takht jathedar
All are worried over the position of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD). It is a matter of pleasure that the Sikhs who do not agree with the current leadership of the SAD, are also worried, said Akal Takht jathedar
Amritsar: Expressing concern over SAD’s historic defeat in the Punjab assembly elections, Akal Takht acting jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh on Saturday gave a call for unity to all Akali factions, saying that the debacle of the over century-old party is “deadly” for the Sikh community as well as the country.
In a video message released here, he said that they are receiving phone calls and emails of Sikhs who have deep interest in Sikh politics and understanding of Sikh principles and philosophy.
“All are worried over the position of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD). It is a matter of pleasure that the Sikhs who do not agree with the current leadership of the SAD, are also worried. This is a positive thing. Since the demise of SAD is very deadly for them, the Sikhs are worried,” he said.
Giving a call for unity, he asked all the Akali factions to sit together at the highest temporal seat of Sikhs, the Akal Takht, to restore the party’s old glory.
“In such a situation, different factions of SAD need to sit together at Akal Takht Sahib, which is a common platform blessed by Guru Hargobind Sahib, by shunning their egos,” he said.
In its worst electoral performance since its inception in 1920, SAD got a mere three seats in the February 20 state elections.
“I would also like to tell Delhi (Union government) that elimination of the SAD is also not good for the country. It is fatal for the country as well. The SAD is the party which played a key role in liberating the country from British rule,” he added.
The jathedar said that SAD did not only take birth to achieve administrative power, but it came into existence for ensuring charhdi kla (high spirit) and bol bale (dominance) of Khalsa.
“It is not merely a political party, but it is a thought. If the thought prevails, the SAD is alive. So, this thought needs to be elevated again,” he said.
Noting that he has seen casteism, groupism, hate and misbehave among the Sikhs, Singh said that SAD should initiate efforts to achieve the aims and objectives for which it was founded from Akal Takht. The party should make efforts to eliminate these evils.
“Politics of Punjab is seeing deterioration in terms of discourse of the politicians. The SAD should also pay attention to it,” he said, adding that there is a dire need for the party to return to its old form.
