Turf war with BJP, Akali Dal skips NDA meeting in Delhi

Ruchika M Khanna

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, January 31

The rift between the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD)and its alliance partner BJP is out in the open, with the former today skipping a meeting of the NDA to finalise floor strategy for the Budget session.

Accusing the BJP and its ideological wing, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), of trying to meddle in Sikh religious affairs, the Akalis have taken a strong stand against the saffron party.

The SAD has convened an urgent meeting of its core committee here on Sunday to discuss the issue of “infringement” on Sikh religious affairs by the BJP and RSS. Sources told The Tribune with the BJP unwilling to retract on the issue or call Akali leaders to “sort it out”, the two allies could even snap ties.

Three recent incidents — the amendment to Section 11 of the Takht Sri Hazur Abchal Nagar Sahib Board Nanded Act, 1956, by the BJP government in Maharashtra; conferring a Padma Bhushan to sulking Akali Dal MP Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa by the Centre, without taking the SAD into confidence; and the bid to force a Rashtriya Sikh Sangat nominee as president of Takht Patna Sahib — have set the alarm bells ringing in the Akali Dal. The party leadership is livid at the BJP for trying to “infringe” on their (Akali Dal) territory.

SAD senior vice-president Daljit Singh Cheema said the party was “deeply concerned” over the BJP trying to step on their toes. This could have “devastating consequences” as neither the Akali Dal nor the Sikhs would tolerate the bid by RSS (through Rashtriya Sikh Sangat) to take over religious institutions. The party decision to skip the NDA meeting and outburst by Manjinder Singh Sirsa on the issue yesterday, is a carefully thought out strategy by the party to show its annoyance ahead of the parliamentary elections.

Party chief Sukhbir Badal and Union Minister Harsimrat Kaur hosted a lunch in Delhi today, which was attended by almost all Union ministers, including Home Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. But the “guest of honour” on the occasion was former Union Agriculture Minister and NCP president Sharad Pawar.

Gujral slams BJP

New Delhi: SAD leader Naresh Gujral on Thursday objected to “direct interference by the Sangh in Sikh matters”. He said: “We have been telling them (the BJP) to keep away for issues related to Sikhs.” Accusing BJP “motor mouths” of giving irresponsible statements and creating fear in the minds of minorities, Gujral said: “Sikhs are feeling agitated over attempts by the BJP to try and interfere in religious affairs. This cannot be tolerated. Let the BJP be warned.” Reacting to this, BJP leader RP Singh said: “Wild accusations without evidence are bad for any relationship. And every Sikh is not an Akali.” tns