Photo Source: Babushahi Bureau
Modi is concerned about Sikhs and Dhami is concerned about a family: BJP
Dhami himself should first answer as to what interests he has with SAD affiliation: Harjeet Singh Grewal
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, April 29, 2024: Senior BJP leader Sardar Harjeet Singh Grewal has strongly criticized the recent statement by Shiromani Gurdwara Management Committee (SGPC) chief Harjinder Singh Dhami, wherein Dhami advised members of the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) who have joined BJP to resign from their positions.
In a press conference on Monday, Grewal questioned Dhami's affiliation with the Shiromani Akali Dal, a party that Grewal claims has become a family party. “Dhami himself should first answer as to what interests he has with SAD affiliation”, Grewal said.
Grewal emphasized that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is not anti-Sikh and highlighted the efforts made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the welfare of Sikhs. He stated, "PM Modi has taken significant steps for the Sikh community's well-being, proving that BJP is inclusive and supportive of Sikhs."
Taking a direct shot at the Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal, Grewal questioned Dhami, "Which party was responsible for organizing the 1984 massacre of Sikhs? Who was behind the sacrilege incidents?"
He further pointed out that Dhami is silent about these unresolved issues as culprits are walking free. Grewal continued, "If Dhami did not speak out against Sikhs joining Congress, a party linked to the Sikh massacre, then why is he giving threatening advice to those who joined BJP?" Khalsa Panth has also not written anywhere as to which political party Sikhs should join and which should not.
This response comes after Dhami expressed strong objection to DSGMC members joining the BJP, suggesting that they should first resign from their positions in DSGMC if they wish to engage in BJP politics. He also accused the BJP of interfering in the religious matters of other religions.
During the press conference, Punjab BJP media cell chief, Vineet Joshi, outlined a series of significant initiatives taken by the Modi-led government that underscore its commitment to the Sikh community.
“Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP has successfully undertaken various pro-Sikh measures, including in 2020, the Golden Temple received its FCRA registration, enhancing its global outreach for support and donations. Also, the GST on langar, the community kitchen offerings at Sikh gurudwaras, has been exempted, acknowledging its religious and social importance. The historic opening of the Sri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor with Pakistan facilitates pilgrimages, easing visits to one of Sikhism's holiest sites.”
“The BJP has proudly organized worldwide celebrations for the 550th Gurpurab of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, as well as commemorated the 350th Gurpurab of Guru Gobind Singh and the 400th Gurpurab of Guru Tegh Bahadur. Significant strides have been made in addressing past injustices, notably removing 312 individuals from the so-called 'Black List' and delivering justice for the victims of the 1984 riots. Families received substantial additional compensations amounting to hundreds of crores in total”, Joshi added.
Joshi further said, “The BJP facilitated the return of 230 Sikh families from Afghanistan in 2020, making special fare concessions on the Kabul-Delhi-Kabul air route during the peak of the Citizenship Law amendments. The launch of the Guru Kirpa Yatra tourist train enables devotees to visit the five sacred Takhts and other significant gurudwaras across India. Also, over 116,000 Sikh refugees in Jammu and Kashmir were granted voting rights and domicile status.”
Vineet Joshi concluded, "The BJP's efforts are a testament to our profound respect for Sikh traditions and our continuous commitment to the well-being of Sikhs in India and around the world. We stand firm in our role as a pro-Sikh party, dedicated to promoting religious harmony and national unity."
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