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Sehajdhari Sikhs debarred: Cong, AAP target SAD for playing religious card

The Congress and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) took the Punjab government to task accusing it of playing religious card by amending Sikh Gurdwara (Amendment) Act, 2016, debarring Sehajdhari Sikhs from voting in the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) elections.

Updated on: May 10, 2016, 12:53:44 IST
Hindustan Times | By , Sultanpur Lodhi
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The Congress and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) took the Punjab government to task accusing it of playing religious card by amending Sikh Gurdwara (Amendment) Act, 2016, debarring Sehajdhari Sikhs from voting in the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) elections.

“Even I don’t have a beard, but I practise Sikhism more than the deputy chief minister, who plays politics on the religion,” senior Congress leader Sunil Jakhar said. (HT Photo)
“Even I don’t have a beard, but I practise Sikhism more than the deputy chief minister, who plays politics on the religion,” senior Congress leader Sunil Jakhar said. (HT Photo)

In shows of the strength, massive rallies were organised at the Shaheedi Jor Mela at Thatta Nawan village to commemorate the martyrdom day of Baba Beer Singh here on Monday.

HT Explainer: What’s behind excluding Sehajdharis from Sikh body polls?

“Even I don’t have a beard, but I practise Sikhism more than the deputy chief minister, who plays politics on the religion,” senior Congress leader Sunil Jakhar said.

Leader of the opposition Charanjit Singh Channi said the SAD was befooling the people of Punjab by adopting Panthic agenda. “Transport mafia, sand mafia and cable mafia enjoy patronage of the Badal family. Even the SGPC members act as per the directions of the state government,” Channi added.

“We promise the people of Punjab that the Congress will take revenge from Parkash Singh Badal and his deputy Sukhbir Badal and the party will send them to jail after coming to the power for scams during their tenure,” Manpreet said.

In the absence of any senior party leader, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Sukhpal Singh Khaira said the amendment in the Sikh Gurdwara bill ahead of assembly elections was a ploy to get votes. “But in reality, Akalis are far from the teachings of the Gurus who taught us to serve the community.”

 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jatinder Mahal

Jatinder Mahal is a staff correspondent. He covers Jalandhar, Kapurthala and SBS Nagar district for Hindustan Times.

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