In a significant political address in Patiala, former jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh launched a scathing critique of the Shiromani Akali Dal's current trajectory, while raising serious questions about the investigation into the 2017 Maur bomb blast case. Speaking at a district-level workers' meeting of the Shiromani Akali Dal (Punar Surjeet), Singh articulated a vision for the party's revival rooted in panthic principles.
Formation and Diversion of Shiromani Akali Dal (Punar Surjeet)
Giani Harpreet Singh began by reaffirming the original purpose behind the formation of the Shiromani Akali Dal (Punar Surjeet). He emphasized that the party was established with the noble intention of protecting panthic institutions, most notably the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC). However, he lamented that certain individuals within the movement had "diverted its direction for self-interest," undermining its foundational goals.
Criticism of Sukhbir Singh Badal's Leadership
The former jathedar did not mince words when discussing the leadership of Sukhbir Singh Badal. He accused Badal of sidelining senior and prominent leaders within the Shiromani Akali Dal, effectively handing over the party's command to him. Singh alleged that under this leadership, panth-prasth and loyal workers were expelled, while elements associated with the sand mafia, cable mafia, and drug traffickers were brought into the party fold.
"This turned the Akali Dal's trunk (core) into a destructive axe," Singh declared, painting a vivid picture of internal decay. He further described the party's core as "completely dry," but expressed hope that through prayer at the Akal Takht, a new trunk has been planted. This new beginning, he asserted, is emerging in the form of Punar Surjeet, which he portrayed as the revitalized Akali Dal.
The Maur Bomb Blast Case and Political Allegations
Shifting focus to a grave historical incident, Giani Harpreet Singh addressed the Maur bomb blast that occurred on January 31, 2017. He claimed that the accused in this case were neither arrested under the previous Congress regime nor under the incumbent Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government. According to Singh, the investigation had identified links between the accused and a dera, which he suggested led to political inaction.
"If bomb blasts were carried out in 2017 to prevent the formation of the AAP government, as earlier claimed by AAP leader Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, then they (AAP) should have impartially investigated these claims in 2022 after coming to power and exposed the culprits," Singh argued. He insinuated that the blasts were part of political machinations to form and save governments, occurring under government supervision.
Referencing revelations made by Rajinder Kaur Bhathal regarding bomb blast suggestions, Singh questioned the value placed on the lives of innocent victims. "The investigation in the Maur blast had linked the accused to a dera. This was the reason that neither the Congress nor incumbent AAP dared to arrest any accused in the case," he added, underscoring his allegations of political protection.
Satluj-Yamuna Link (SYL) Canal and Water Rights
The issue of Punjab's water rights also featured prominently in Singh's address. He recalled an instance where Haryana leader Abhay Chautala reportedly stated, "we'll take water forcefully from Punjab," only for Sukhbir Badal to hold a press conference with Chautala just two hours later, announcing an alliance for Haryana elections. Singh contrasted this with Badal's current claims of not allowing extra water to flow to Haryana, highlighting perceived contradictions.
Echoing this sentiment, former MP Prem Singh Chandumajra declared that any attempt to rob Punjab's waters would not be tolerated. "The Akali Dal will always stand firm for Punjab's rights on the SYL issue," he affirmed, reinforcing the party's commitment to regional interests.
Call for Unity and Revival
Throughout the meeting, there was a consistent appeal for unity and a return to core principles. Surjit Singh Rakhra addressed the gathering, stating that the true strength of the Akali Dal lies in its workers, who have made sacrifices for the panth and Punjab across eras. He urged workers to rise above personal interests and become the backbone of the Akali Dal (Punar Surjeet).
Rakhra also called for unity in panthic thinking, adherence to Akal Takht guidance, and protection of Punjab's rights. Chandumajra emphasized the SGPC's role as a fortress for safeguarding Sikh community dignity and rights, stressing the need to protect it from political interference.
In conclusion, Giani Harpreet Singh made a fervent appeal to workers to support the new Akali Dal and safeguard panthic principles. The meeting served as a platform to critique past leadership, question political handling of sensitive cases like the Maur blast, and rally support for a revived party focused on institutional protection and Punjab's constitutional rights.
