Senior Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Parambans Singh Romana launched a sharp attack on Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday, accusing him of blatantly politicizing the sensitive issue related to 328 saroops (holy volumes) of Sri Guru Granth Sahib. Romana claimed the AAP government had initially agreed with a committee report but has now reversed its stance for political gain.
Contradiction in Government's Stance Highlighted
Addressing a press conference in Chandigarh, Romana pointed out a significant contradiction in the state government's position. He stated that the Bhai Isher Singh committee report had clearly concluded that no saroop of Sri Guru Granth Sahib was stolen. The issue, according to the report, pertained solely to the required donation not being deposited in the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) treasury during distribution to gurdwara committees and devotees.
Romana further revealed that when some terminated SGPC employees approached the Punjab and Haryana High Court, the AAP government's submission was clear. The government stated that the SGPC, as the apex religious body of Sikhs, had already taken action in the matter and no further government intervention was required.
Political Motives Behind the U-Turn
The Akali leader asserted that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has now completely changed his mind and is intent on politicizing the issue. Romana directly linked this shift to recent political developments in Punjab. He attributed the government's new aggressive posture to the resurgence of the SAD in the Tarn Taran by-election and the subsequent elections for Block Samitis and Zila Parishads.
"This is because of the changed political equations in the state," Romana stated, implying the AAP government feels threatened by the Akali Dal's renewed momentum and is using the religious issue to counter it.
Violation of Akal Takht Directive Alleged
Romana emphasized that the government's intervention goes against a clear directive from Sri Akal Takht Sahib, the highest temporal seat of Sikhs. He noted that the Takht had declared this an internal matter of the Sikh community and instructed that no government agency should interfere.
In a strongly worded remark, Romana said it was unfortunate that "patit (apostate) people were now trying to teach the community what was right and wrong," a veiled jab at the AAP leadership.
Questions Raised Over Accused's Appointment
Adding another layer to his allegations, the SAD leader brought up the case of one of the accused in the saroop matter, Jaspreet Singh. Romana claimed that Jaspreet Singh was appointed as the chairman of the Amritsar Planning Board by the AAP government. He challenged the government to clarify how this appointment was made and why no action was taken against him if he was indeed involved in the case.
Romana's press conference underscores the escalating political tension in Punjab, with religious matters becoming a focal point of contention between the ruling AAP and the opposition SAD ahead of crucial electoral battles.
