Akali Dal leader criticises Modi govt for ‘double standards’ on Sikh issues

Shiromani Akali Dal (Urban, Kapurthala) general secretary Jharmal Singh Bhindar has condemned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent claim at an RSS event that the organisation had helped Sikhs during the 1984 violence.

Bhindar called the assertion “baseless,” stating that the 1984 events were not mere riots but a “genocide against Sikhs,” during which no organisation offered assistance to the victims.

Accusing the Modi government of double standards in its approach to the Sikh community, Bhindar highlighted the Centre’s earlier suspension of the Kartarpur Corridor and restrictions on Sikh pilgrims traveling to Nankana Sahib, citing national security concerns. However, he noted that permission was suddenly granted to jathas to visit Nankana Sahib during the India–Pakistan Asia Cup cricket match. Simultaneously, Bhindar alleged, preparations are underway to execute Bhai Balwant Singh Rajoana, who has been imprisoned for 29 years.

Terming this approach a “clear display of duplicity” by the Centre, Bhindar demanded the commutation of Rajoana’s death sentence and his release, similar to the convicts in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case. He also called for the immediate reopening of the Kartarpur Corridor for devotees.