Hiding? Me? I was just ducking the mud-slinging’, says Jagir Kaur

JALANDHAR, NOV 11: It was late at night - or early in the morning, depending on one's dispensation - but the supporters were there in full...

JALANDHAR, NOV 11: It was late at night – or early in the morning, depending on one’s dispensation – but the supporters were there in full force. Sycophantic as ever, they said their leader’s absence had left them demoralised but now they were, figuratively, on top of the world. It seemed just like old times.

Except, of course, it isn’t. The leader here is Bibi Jagir Kaur, president of the SGPC and now charged with creating circumstances leading to the death of her daughter Harpreet Kaur. And on Monday, a court in Patiala will decide whether she should be arrested or not.

That’s Monday, though, and this was Friday. And Bibi showed no signs of nerve or anxiety as she spoke to this reporter in an exclusive one-on-one at her Begowal residence, while greeting supporters and aides. This was her first official day out’ since the CBI chargesheet naming her, among others, was filed in early October. And she’s quick to justify herself. "I was not in hiding anywhere but was avoiding the mud-slinging that had started by those jealous of my popularity."

Story continues below this ad

And popular she is. When the ENS team reached the dera where she stays, there was already a large crowd trying to have a darshan of the Bibi. Bibi was quick to sieze the opportunity; her aides were busy distributing photocopies of an article published in a Punjabi weekly Spokesman, which called Jagir Kaur the victim of "vested interests".

The signs were there when she reached her dera late last night. Locals reportedly took out a large procession, shouting slogans and throwing flowers at her.

First to arrive was Jarnail Singh Dograwala, SGPC member from Kapurthala, who discussed plans for the SGPC chief to visit Sultanpur Lodhi on Guru Nanak’s birth anniversary. The Bibi then enquired about the local cooperative society election, held in her absence.

Then, a group of teachers from the local government school. The Bibi, obviously upbeat, announced a Rs 2 lakh grant for the school adding, in a typically regal gesture, "Aaj khushi vich school bandh kar dita".

Story continues below this ad

In between, she spoke about her experiences over the past month. As expected, she denied the charges against her and blamed the media for distorting facts. That, she said, had also influenced public opinion. "But the Almighty has provided us with ears and eyes to listen and see good, so I’m avoiding the filth my rivals are spreading about me."

She sought to stress on the pain she has experienced. "Evereyone can indulge in street-talk, but only the subject knows how it hurts. It is I who have lost a child and the pain of a mother cannot be understood by somebody else."

So how did she feel about the case, we asked. "I have a clear conscience. My only worry is that much time and money is being spent on this that could have been spent on a better cause."

Then it was time to leave. There were engagements at the Golden Temple and more people to meet. The show was back on the road.