Senior SAD (B) leader suspects RSS-BJP pressure behind ‘delay’ in Akal Takht punishment for Sukhbir Badal

“I never thought that the conspiracies and plans of anti-Sikh forces, always aiming to weaken the Shiromani Akali Dal, would reach the extent of affecting our respected institutions that lead the Sikh community. Concerns about this have become a topic of discussion and worry for people like me and many others. May Waheguru prove my doubts wrong, as these institutions are a symbol of the pride and honour of Sikhs,” Valtoha wrote on Facebook.

In his post, Valtoha also included pictures of the BJP flag and RSS volunteers marching past.

Screenshot of Virsa Singh Valtoha’s Facebook post

“In recent days, I shared my concerns through a Facebook post asking why there is such a delay in punishing Sukhbir Singh Badal after the Jathedars declared him a ‘tankhaiya’ (one guilty of religious misconduct)? After my Facebook post, the information that reached me was quite alarming and distressing. Following my initial post, some close associates of our respected Jathedars, who are also sympathisers of the Shiromani Akali Dal, contacted me and shared some serious and concerning information,” he wrote.

Valtoha claimed that his sources told him that there was immense internal pressure on the Jathedars not only to pronounce the religious punishment for Badal but also to render the SAD leaderless.

“According to these sources, those exerting pressure concerning Sukhbir Singh Badal and the Shiromani Akali Dal include not only the central government, BJP and RSS, but also some individuals who, despite their Sikh identity, have always been opponents of the Akali Dal, both within the country and abroad. When I listen to discussions about the historical context and the current situation, it causes great concern,” Valtoha wrote.

“Historically, the Sri Akal Takht Sahib has always clashed head-on with the Delhi throne. However, the latest information and rumours suggest that some of our respected figures seem to be yielding to the influence of the Delhi throne, which is a matter of extreme worry. I am sharing this truth with the community so that the general public can be aware of the facts. On one hand, false and misleading propaganda has created a common perception among the people that the Jathedars act according to Sukhbir Singh Badal and the Shiromani Akali Dal Badal,” Valtoha further wrote.

“But the truth is that we have had to repeatedly plead with the Jathedars not to delay the decision to issue a religious punishment or reprimand Sukhbir Singh Badal from the Sri Akal Takht Sahib any longer. I humbly request the Jathedars to remain unbiased and, according to the dignity of the true Takht, deliver the strictest possible religious punishment or reprimand to Sukhbir Singh Badal as soon as possible so that the ongoing rumours can be put to rest,” Valtoha added.

“The Jathedars are respected by all of us. We all wish for the Jathedars to uphold Sikh principles fearlessly and lead the community so that the Sikh community can emerge from its current challenges,” the SAD spokesman said.

Rebel Akali leader Bibi Jagir Kaur, a former president of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), dismissed Valtoha’s speculation.

“The SGPC’s political leadership belongs to Valtoha’s party, the SAD(B). The same leadership has appointed the Akal Takht Jathedar. How do the doubts of Valtoha reflect on the SGPC and his own party? I don’t believe in these allegations. I want to say the Akal Takht has never felt any pressure from the RSS and the BJP,” Kaur told The Indian Express.

“We should avoid making such statements. What decision Jathedars should take on Sukhbir Badal in light of the Sikh ethics and values should be left to the Akal Takht,” she added.

Akal Takht Jathedars have in the past asked Sikhs to remain cautious of the RSS. The SAD(B) has always rejected allegations that the Akal Takht or the SGPC works under RSS pressure. However, this is the first time that a SAD(B) leader has made such speculations public.

Akal Takht Jathedar summons Valtoha

Reacting to Valtoha’s post, Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh has directed him to present himself at the Sri Akal Takht Sahib at 9 am on October 15. “Valtoha should appear with evidence regarding the public accusations made through the media that the BJP/RSS is pressuring Jathedars of the Takht Sahiban to make a decision against Sukhbir Singh Badal. In the written order sent to Valtoha, Jathedar also mentioned that if he fails to appear on time, it will be assumed that Valtoha is attempting to defame the Jathedars by making false claims of external pressure being exerted on them,” the highest temporal seat of Sikhs said in a statement.