Sukhbir Badal calls for Panthic unity, warns of threats to Sikh institutions at 350th martyrdom anniv event

Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal) president Sukhbir Singh Badal today issued a passionate appeal for unity among all Panthic factions, asserting that only collective strength could help Sikhs regain political power and protect their institutions. He was addressing the gathering at the 350th martyrdom anniversary event of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur, organised by the SGPC at Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib in Anandpur Sahib.

Sukhbir said he was deeply saddened to witness divisions within the Sikh community. “Christians or Hindus never speak against their religious institutions, but Sikhs themselves are weakening theirs,” he remarked. “SAD was formed to safeguard Sikh interests, and the real Akali Dal is SAD (Badal). Many forces are trying to destroy Sikh institutions. We must unite to counter these attacks.”

He alleged that attempts were being made across the country to bring Sikh institutions under government control. “Hazoor Sahib Committee earlier had five SGPC members, but now the Maharashtra government has taken control of Takht Hazoor Sahib. The Delhi Gurdwara Committee (DGSGMC) has also been taken over by the Union Government. They know the Sikh community draws its strength from Gurdwaras, and that is why they seek control,” he said.

He went on to accuse the Centre of attempting to weaken the SGPC and recalled the formation of the Haryana Gurdwaras Management Committee as another example.

Sukhbir criticised the Punjab Chief Minister for speaking against the Akal Takht Jathedar, saying that earlier no one had the courage to do so. Quoting former CM Parkash Singh Badal, he said, “Political power is essential for any religion.” He added that Parkash Singh Badal had already declared Anandpur Sahib a holy city 15 years ago and claimed that major development in the area occurred during Akali governments. Senior SAD leaders, including Baldev Singh Bhunder were also present.

SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami, addressing the sangat, said Punjab was facing challenges similar to those seen 350 years ago during the time of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. “The Centre is encroaching on Punjab’s rights—the issues of Punjab University, appointment of a Lieutenant Governor over Chandigarh, and deployment of CISF in Bhakra are examples of Delhi’s attempts to weaken Punjab,” he said.

Dhami accused the Union Government of trying to divide the Sikh Panth and asserted that the right to organise religious functions rested exclusively with the SGPC. “Despite the Centre creating the Haryana Committee and attempting interference in Sikh institutions, SGPC and SAD have consistently stood firm to protect the rights of Sikhs across the country,” he said.

He announced that the SGPC would dedicate an entire year to spreading the teachings of Guru Tegh Bahadur across the world through the Dharam Parchar Committee. He added that the SGPC had passed a resolution demanding the release of Bandi Singhs who had completed their sentences and revealed plans to construct a 1,000-room inn in honour of Guru Tegh Bahadur in Amritsar.

Prominent leaders, including former minister Sucha Singh Langah and senior SAD member Balwinder Singh Bhunder attended the ceremony, which commemorated the place where the Sri Sis Sahib of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji—brought by Bhai Jaita Ji—was cremated 350 years ago.