SAD stages dharna at Ludhiana mini-secretariat over alleged remarks on Sikh gurus

Senior leaders and supporters of the Shiromani Akali Dal on Friday staged a dharna at the mini-secretariat in Ludhiana, protesting against former Delhi chief minister and senior AAP leader Atishi for allegedly making derogatory remarks against Sikh gurus during a Delhi Vidhan Sabha session.

The protesters raised slogans against the AAP government, accusing its leaders of hurting Sikh religious sentiments. Referring to viral images, SAD leaders also alleged that Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann was seen spilling liquor on photographs of “Guru Sahiban”.

Addressing the gathering, senior SAD leader Maheshinder Singh Grewal said AAP leaders were playing with Sikh sentiments and must issue a public apology. “Atishi spoke against the Sikh guru. Claims that the video was doctored are merely cover-up tactics. She should be held accountable and must resign,” he said.

Another senior leader, Paropkar Singh Ghuman, stressed that the ‘maryada’ of the Akal Takht and Sikh gurus must be upheld. “Even as the Chief Minister, Bhagwant Mann has no right to insult Sikh sentiments. He should apologise. Similar protests are being held across the state,” Ghuman said.

The protesters later submitted a memorandum to the authorities. Local party president Bhupinder Bhinda, Jagbir Singh Sokhi and other leaders were present.

Grewal, also, alleged vendetta politics by the state government, claiming that a local chartered accountant associated with SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal was harassed by police on January 8 to obtain party records. He accused the government of remaining silent on sacrilege issues in Punjab.