BJP vice-president resigns over non-involvement in party events

Tribune News Service

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New Delhi, October 28

Speaking openly to follow the direction of Akal Takhat Sahib for not attending the Sikh Sammelan organised by the RSS in Delhi, state BJP vice-president Kulwant Singh Baath had to resign. The sammelan was attended by RSS supremo Mohan Bhagwat.

In his resignation letter on October 25, Baath said he was stepping down as the Delhi BJP vice-president as he could not contribute to the party’s events in the past few days.

The Rashtriya Sikh Sangat, an affiliate of the RSS, celebrated Guru Gobind Singh’s 350th birth anniversary here on Wednesday. The event was participated by Bhagwat and several Central ministers.

Talking to The Tribune, Baath said Akaal Takaht is supreme for him. He was tied to a ‘hukamnama’ (edict) of the Akal Takht in 2004 that asked Sikhs to boycott events organised by the Rashtriya Sikh Sangat. Even before this function, the Akkal Takhat asked the Sikhs for not attending the functions.

“Unless the issue is resolved, it will be a tricky situation for me,” he said.

State BJP chief Manoj Tiwari said no decision has been taken yet on Baath’s resignation. “His resignation letter has been received but a decision on it is yet to be taken,” he said.

Baath joined the BJP nine months ago and was appointed as a vice-president.

Party sources said Baath was close to the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) even after joining the BJP.