SAD is Regrouping, Questions Haunt

On Dec 25, former DSGMC President Manjit Singh GK returned to SAD. GK returned to the fold after four years following an appeal by party president Sukhbir Singh Badal who visited his residence along with other senior leaders. ‘Unity is the need of the hour and it’s essential to resolve our pending issues, be it freedom for Bandi Singhs (Sikh prisoners), amendment to Article 25(2b), restitution of Sri Gian Godri Sahib and Sri Dongmar Sahib Gurdwaras, stopping interference in Shiromani committee affairs and dilution of Panjab’s right over Chandigarh,’ said GK, shortly after merging his Jago Party with the SAD. Badal repeated his apology (SDW Vol. 1 Issue 14, Story 9) over sacrilege of Guru Granth Sahib and stressed on Panthic unity while another former DSGMC President, Paramjit Singh Sarna, said that Sikhs will, otherwise, suffer the fate of the country’s Muslims. SAD also announced it will set up its party units in all States across the country that have a Sikh population. Badal condemned Panjab CM Mann over suggesting a mourning bugle to mark the young Sahibzade’s martyrdom. Earlier, on 24 Dec, after meeting with Badal, Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami said land would be allotted for Gurdwara Sri Gian Godri Sahib at Haridwar. Dhami also said a resolution will soon be reached on 4,805 acres of land in Bazpur. However, with the just-released Jathedar Kaunke report, questions are once again being asked about SAD’s role in suppressing the report (SDW Vol. 1 Issue 15, Story 4). Unity among various Sikh political factions is the need of the hour and is indicative of consolidation of Sikh votes, but policy matters remain unresolved during their ruling terms in various political parties.