Dhindsa: Takht maryada must be restored

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, August 12

Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, who declared himself ‘president’ of a splinter Shiromani Akali Dal group last month, has said he aimed at bringing back the Akali Dal to its original principles and restore the ‘maryada’ of the Akal Takht.

He was speaking at a party function on Wednesday where a few Delhi-based Sikh leaders joined his party. Dhindsa, who rebelled against the Sukhbir Badal-led Akali Dal, had another veteran, BS Ramoowalia, with him on the occasion.

Dhindsa said the Akal Takht was held in high esteem by the Sikh community. “However, it is now under the control of the Badals. There was a time when the Akal Takht could summon Maharaja Ranjit Singh, but now, Badals have lowered it to such levels that they forced the Akal Takht chief to pardon the head of Dera Sacha Sauda” the Rajya Sabha MP alleged.

Tirath Singh, president of Gurdwara Uday Vihar Singh Sabha, along with his supporters joined Dhindsa.