BJP reaches out to Jats with mega event honouring Dada Kushal Singh Dahiya in Sonepat

Generally perceived as a non-Jat party, the BJP in Haryana is now making a significant outreach effort toward the Jat community—particularly in the Deswali Jat belt, considered the stronghold of former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda.

The Haryana government has announced a mega event in Sonepat district on November 14, dedicated to Dada Kushal Singh Dahiya, a prominent figure among the Deswali Jat community. The Deswalis, predominantly found in Rohtak, Sonepat, and Jhajjar districts, form an influential segment of Haryana’s Jat population.

Dada Kushal Singh Dahiya is remembered for his extraordinary sacrifice linked to the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru.

In 1675, when Guru Tegh Bahadur was executed at Chandni Chowk, Delhi, on the orders of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb for defending the right to religious freedom, his disciples risked their lives to protect the Guru’s severed head. Bhai Jaita (also known as Bhai Jiwan Singh) and two other Sikhs carried the sacred head from Delhi toward Anandpur Sahib, pursued by Mughal forces.

After reaching Garhi village, now known as Badhkhalsa in Sonepat, Kushal Singh Dahiya offered his own head to mislead the Mughals and protect the Guru’s remains. His bravery and selflessness have become a symbol of supreme devotion and courage in Sikh and local Deswali Jat history.

Statewide commemoration of Guru Tegh Bahadur’s martyrdom

As part of the 350th martyrdom day of Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur, the Haryana government is observing a series of events across the state from November 1-25. The programme in Sonepat is among the major highlights of this commemoration. The celebrations will culminate in a state-level event at Kurukshetra on November 25, to be chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.