BJP hails verdict, panthic leaders find view ‘lenient’, ask why not political punishment

BJP state president Sunil Jakhar welcomed the decision. “The historic hearing held at Sri Akal Takht Sahib has further elevated the stature of this premier institution of the Panth. It has also instilled pride in the community, reaffirming that our Guru Sahiban established such a powerful and supreme authority to guide those straying from the Guru’s path back onto the righteous way,” Jakhar said on X.

Another senior BJP leader Vijay Kumar Sampla hailed verdict as “commendable”, saying the uniform approach adopted by the Sikh high priests is a positive aspect, reflecting the beauty of Sikhism.

“Although the sentence is just two hours long, the message it conveys is profound. This will serve as a lesson for others. The Shiromani Akali Dal will decide its future course of action, but this is a good decision, reflecting respect for religion,” said Sampla.

While there was no official response from the Akali Dal, party MLA Manpreet Singh Ayali “bowed his head towards the decision taken by the Akal Takht Sahib. “Let’s see as how the party shapes up in future,” he added.

Congress MP from Gurdaspur, Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, meanwhile, said “Guru Sahib and Sikh community will not forgive those who harmed the panth”.

“Today, Sukhbir finally admitted that he had a hand in pardoning ‘Sauda Sadh’, who was accused of ‘beadabi’. Confessing to this before the Akal Takht signifies a lot. We hope that the punishment given to Sukhbir will give some comfort to the Sikh Sangat and make them aware of the truth,” he said.

Meanwhile, Sikh preacher Baljit Singh Daduwal, who earlier headed the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee, felt that Akal Takht has taken a lenient view. “Sukhbir should have been given political punishment as well. I have put a petition before the Akal Takht Jathedar to review his decision towards Sukhbir yet again,” said Daduwal.

Faridkot MP Sarabjeet Singh Khalsa said it was commendable that Sukhbir and other leaders were questioned about their mistakes in full public view. “ They now stand exposed after admitting their mistakes. I feel that Sukhbir should have been given political punishment,” said Khlasa, who is the son of Beant Singh, one of the assassins of late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

Dr Gurmohan Singh Walia, former vice chancellor of SGGS World University, welcomed the pronouncements of the Akal Takht and said, “Today’s historic decision has re-established the sovereignty of Akal Takht. For the past several decades the principle of Miri and Piri was conveniently compromised by the political class in favour of Miri.

The panthic issues were deliberately ignored to win over votes of certain deras. The pain, sorrow and sufferings of people of Punjab were brushed under the carpet and the leaders forgot to hold the hands of the people who had lost their near and dear ones during the dark days. The decision of the five Sikh Sahibans could usher in a new political dawn for the Shiromani Akali Dal.”

In Faridkot, Sukhraj Singh, the convenor, Bargari Insaaf Morcha, refused to comment on the decisions of Akal Takht Sahib. “However, my question is towards Congress and AAP governments. When Sukhbir himself has admitted to the gross mistakes done during his tenure, including the Behbal Kalan firing, why have they not been able to do anything constructive in this case? Now that Sukhbir has accepted his mistakes in full public view, will AAP government produce challan in court in Behbal Kalan firing case,” he asked.