J&K Elections: Sikh Leaders Criticize BJP Manifesto, Field Candidates

In Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), Balvinder Singh, president of the Sikh Progressive Front (SPF) and renowned Right To Information activist, voiced his frustration with the BJP for neglecting the Sikh community in its Sankalp Patra (manifesto) that outlines 25 commitments. Addressing a press conference in Jammu alongside SPF general secretary Manjit Singh and joint secretary Rajinder Singh Sudan, Balvinder criticized the BJP, which came to power with PM Modi’s Sabka Sath Sabka Vishwas Sabka Vikas (Everyone’s Support, Everyone’s Trust, Everyone’s Development) slogan, for not even mentioning Sikhs in the manifesto. While the Manifesto Committee included members from various communities — four Muslims and seven Hindus — no Sikh representative was involved, despite the significant presence of Sikhs in the BJP. Long-standing demands of the Sikh community, include political reservations under the migrant or Pakistan Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) quota, employment opportunities for Sikh youth in the Valley, the introduction of Panjabi as a compulsory subject in the Jammu Kashmir Union Territory Official Language Bill, the creation of a Minority Commission in J&K, and ex-gratia compensation for families of the 14 Sikhs killed in the 1989 genocide, at par with compensation provided to other victims across India. Meanwhile, the All Parties Sikh Coordination Committee (APSCC) has also accused the National Conference (NC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of nepotism and failing to address the needs of the people in J&K. Speaking at a rally in Jammu’s Nanak Nagar, APSCC chairman Jagmohan Singh Raina criticized the mainstream political parties, claiming they prioritize the interests of their own families over the public’s needs. Sikhs have fielded their own candidates in several constituencies in the Valley for the current J&K Assembly elections to ensure ‘representation of the community’. Maintaining that they have been ‘ignored by successive governments.’ Five Sikh candidates are contesting in three of the Valley’s 47 Assembly constituencies. The BJP has also fielded 6 Sikh candidates.