Bikram Majithia emerges as a potent leader in Akali politics amid crisis.....by KBS Sidhu

Love him or hate him, Bikram Singh Majithia has firmly established himself as a leader who cannot be ignored.

Chandigarh: Bikram Singh Majithia, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) General Secretary and brother-in-law of Sukhbir Badal, has seized the opportunity and demonstrated remarkable leadership credentials to capture the center stage of Akali politics.

Following the formal punishment awarded by the five Jathedars on behalf of Sri Akal Takht, Majithia maintained a low profile, respecting the Akal Takht's absolute supremacy in Sikh temporal affairs. He positioned himself as a humble servant of the Guru, accepting the punishment without question.

However, the attempted assassination of Sukhbir Badal during his sewa at Amritsar near the Golden Temple's main entrance shifted the dynamics. While Sukhbir narrowly escaped unhurt, Majithia stepped up when others hesitated.

As senior leaders grappled with the aftermath, Majithia and his research team swiftly compiled information, including news reports and photographs, for a press conference held that very afternoon.

Taking Charge Amid Crisis

Since the incident, Majithia has regularly interacted with the press, including national TV channels, presenting new facts and perspectives while countering criticism directed at Sukhbir Badal and SAD. During the Core Committee meeting on December 6, Majithia played a pivotal role in shaping the party's response to the crisis.

Majithia openly criticized the Punjab Police, particularly the Amritsar Police Commissioner, who suggested investigating all angles, including whether the attack was stage-managed to garner sympathy.

Majithia presented damning evidence, including 35 pending FIRs against the assailant—a known separatist and terrorist—and CCTV footage showing a senior police officer interacting with the attacker within the Darbar Sahib parikarma before the incident.

This evidence essentially contradicted Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's claim that it was the alertness of Punjab Police that averted a major tragedy, exposing potential negligence or complicity within the police force.

Lauding Courage and Exposing Conspiracy

Majithia praised ASI JasbirSingh, Sukhbir Badal's PSO since 2002, for thwarting the attack despite personal risk.

He contrasted this dedication with the Punjab Police's failures, accusing them of incompetence or complicity. Further, Majithia linked the assailant, Naraian Singh Chaura, to Sukhjinder Randhawa, a Congress MP and former Deputy Chief Minister, indirectly implicating Congress in fostering antisocial elements. Majithia’s sharp rhetoric raised questions about Congress's alleged ties to terrorists and gangsters in Punjab's border areas.

He also targeted Union Minister Ravneet Bittu for suggesting that Sukhbir "attracted" the attack, demanding the BJP top leadership to clarify its stance on such remarks, which Majithia deemed as abetting anti-national violence and assassinations of opposition’s Sikh leaders.

Establishing Himself as a Nationalist Leader

Majithia strategically framed the incident as an attack on Sikhism and the sanctity of the Golden Temple rather than on an individual. He condemned the assailant as an ISI agent advocating Khalistan and positioned himself as a nationalist and moderate Sikh leader.This narrative also resonated with Punjab's Hindu community, potentially broadening SAD's appeal beyond its traditional Sikh base.

Majithia also criticized the central government for the absence of CISF personnel during the attack on a Z-plus security protectee, questioning their commitment to ensuring the safety of SAD's leadership.

This sharp critique of both state and central governments underscored his independence, political acumen, and readiness to hold all stakeholders accountable, regardless of their political affiliations.

Personal Bravery and Commitment to Punjab

Despite threats to his family, including his young minor sons, Majithia emphasized his faith in the Guru's will and his determination to serve Punjab and the Sikh community. His fearless stance elevated his image as a brave leader ready to make personal sacrifices.

He criticized the Punjab Police for allowing a woman to publicly honor the assailant outside court, accusing the authorities of enabling anti-national forces. Linking this incident to a minor blast in his constituency, Majithia reaffirmed his commitment to protecting Punjab against such threats.

Leadership During Crisis

While SAD's overall official response to the crisis remained subdued, Majithia emerged as the party's most vocal and effective spokesperson. His bold and articulate, research-backed presentations to the media highlighted his political acumen and ability to lead during challenging times. With Sukhbir Badal occupied with his sewa, Majithia's decisive actions positioned him as a potential long-term leader of SAD.

A Rising Star in Punjab Politics

Even his detractors acknowledge Majithia's boldness, eloquence, and strategic leadership. His decisive actions have earned him widespread support, particularly among rural Sikhs and the broader Punjabi community.

Additionally, his secular credentials and firm stance against separatist elements have resonated strongly with Punjab's Hindu population, enhancing his cross-community appeal. While former AAP leader Dr. HS Phoolka, renowned for his lifelong dedication to seeking justice for the victims of the 1984 Sikh genocide, has unilaterally announced his decision to join SAD, it is Bikram Majithia's personal rapport, extensive network, close relationship with Sukhbir Badal, and exemplary leadership during a time of crisis that have elevated him to a higher pedestal.

This surge in support has been particularly pronounced in rural areas and within the Sikh community, cementing his position as a formidable leader in Punjab's political landscape.Love him or hate him, Bikram Singh Majithia has firmly cemented his position as a leader who demands attention and respect.

Despite being unfairly implicated in flimsy charges of international drug smuggling during Charanjit Channi’s brief Congress-led government, Majithia has used this crisis to elevate himself to a higher moral ground—as a patriotic Indian, a proud Punjabi, and a devout Sikh.

His decisive and strategic leadership during this turbulent period not only underscores his resilience but also hints at a promising political future ahead.

December 9, 2024