Aam Aadmi Party's Punjab media in-charge, Baltej Pannu, launched a scathing critique against Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee president Harjinder Singh Dhami on Monday. Pannu accused Dhami of abandoning his duty to justice and the Guru Sahib, instead acting as a spokesperson for the Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal).
Contradictions in SGPC's Stance on Police and FIRs
Pannu's attack was a direct response to a press conference held by Dhami in Chandigarh the previous Saturday. He strongly countered Dhami's claim that the SGPC does not accept First Information Reports and has no need for the police. "This statement is completely misleading," Pannu asserted.
He highlighted a fundamental contradiction by pointing out that the SGPC itself is constituted under a specific Act of law. "Whenever the SGPC holds its general house meeting in Amritsar, it seeks permission from the deputy commissioner. Given this, how can you claim you don't believe in FIRs or the police?" Pannu questioned. He cited multiple past instances where, according to him, the SGPC had itself approached the police, proving that "when SGPC needs it, FIRs are acceptable."
The Challenge Over the Missing Saroops Diary
Pannu then issued a direct challenge to the SGPC president. He dared Dhami to answer one question honestly at his next press conference. "You possess a diary where details of beadbi (sacrilege) cases and the 328 missing saroops are recorded. Why did you hide that diary?" Pannu demanded. He further insinuated a possible motive, asking, "Is your presidency dependent on that diary?"
The AAP spokesperson announced that in the coming days, he would make public the details of all FIRs registered by the SGPC so far, aiming to expose the committee's alleged double standards.
Background on the Push for a Strict Sacrilege Law
Referring to the recent demand by Akal Takht jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj for a stringent law against sacrilege, Pannu provided context on the legislative process. He clarified that a proposal for a strict state law has already been before the Punjab assembly.
A dedicated committee was formed, which held meetings with representatives from all political parties to gather inputs. The goal was to frame a robust state law with the strictest possible punishment to deter such crimes. Pannu's statement aimed to underscore that the issue is being addressed through the state's legislative machinery.
This sharp exchange marks another chapter in the ongoing political and religious tensions in Punjab, with the AAP directly confronting the influential SGPC leadership over matters of accountability and alleged political bias.
