The Bahujan Dravida Party (BDP), founded by a Tamil – an ethnolinguistic group – has fielded seven Sikh candidates in Tamil Nadu state for the general elections. All the candidates, originally belonging to different faiths, have embraced Sikhi after participating in the Farmers’ Protest 1.0 (2020-21). BDP founder Jeevan Singh, who belongs to Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, said his aim is to bring social change at the grassroots by establishing a cultural identity through the Sikh religion. ‘Only Sikhi can create a casteless society,’ said Jeevan Singh. ‘Our party works for the empowerment of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Castes, and religious minorities who form 95% of the population in India.’ It is endearing how the people of Tamil Nadu are attracted to the basic principle of the Sikh religion. Meanwhile in Panjab, BJP leaders are facing major opposition by farmers and citizens. Hans Raj Hans contesting from Faridkot is pitted against actor-turned-politician Karamjit Anmol of AAP and likely veteran singer sitting Member of Parliament (MP) Mohammad Sadique from INC. On his first day of campaign he was shown black flags by protesting farmer unions at Rampura Phul. Preneet Kaur contesting from Patiala is likely pitted against doctor and social activist, ex-MP Dharamvir Gandhi. Preneet was shown black flags at Patran. Ex-Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu is contesting from Amritsar and is pitted against AAP state cabinet Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal. Sandhu was shown black flags at Ajnala. In various villages posters have appeared saying: ‘If you don’t let farmers enter Delhi, we will not let your leaders enter our villages’ (SDW Vol. 2 Issue 12, Story 1).
Like what you're reading? Subscribe to our top stories.
Liv Forum provides a digest of analysis on major issues facing Indian (East) Panjab and Sikhs globally.
In accordance with our Privacy Policy, we will never share or sell the information of our subscribers.
