The Sangrur Lok Sabha by-election is crucial in more than one way. While different political parties are wanting to field their best candidate, the 'panthic' parties namely Shiromani Akali Dal, Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar), Akali Dal 1920, Damdami Taksal, etc have been directed by the Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh to put up a joint candidate who can work for the release of 'bandhi' Singhs from jails.
Surprisingly, SAD president Sukhbir Badal met his arch-rival in Sikh affairs and a Khalistani protagonist, Simranjit Singh Mann at the latter's residence on Friday late evening and pleaded to jointly chose and field a candidate who belonged to a family of 'bandhi' Singhs. This has exposed the true colours of Sukhbir Badal and his party as they have extended support to the jailed terrorists who have been convicted by courts for killing innocent people in Punjab and elsewhere during hay days of militancy.
Simrantjit Singh Mann does not hide his commitment to divide the country once again on the basis of religion and often raises pro-Khalistan slogans vitiating the peaceful atmosphere of the state which has a sizeable population of Hindus. Mann had unilaterally announced that he will contest the by-election from Sangrur. After meeting with Sukhbir Badal and SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami, Mann opined that he was hopeful that all other 'panthic' parties would support him.
Meanwhile, AAP has announced the candidature of party volunteer Sarpanch Gurlal Singh as its nominee for the Sangrur by-election. Mr. Gurlal is a young man who headed the district unit of the party.
Another question that needs to be considered is the role and conduct of Akal Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh who with each passing day is issuing political statements favouring the SAD (Badal). Once he said that the survival of the Badal faction was necessary for the Sikhs after it received a drubbing in recent Assembly elections. Many people suspectingly ask, "Is Akal Takht Jathedar a spokesman of a particular political party or a leader of the Sikh community."
The manner in which he is pushing for united and stronger action to get 'bandhi' Singhs released too shows him in a sectarian light.
In my view, the SAD (Badal) which has been pushed to the political margins by the Aam Aadmi Party in the recent Assembly election is now desperate to find ground among the Sikhs, especially after its alliance with the BJP broke. The BJP plays its card based on the Hindu religion. Jointly, SAD and BJP had been helping each other in Punjab's electoral politics.
In my view, the SAD (Badal) which has been pushed to the political margins by the Aam Aadmi Party in the recent Assembly election is now desperate to find ground among the Sikhs, especially after its alliance with the BJP broke. The BJP plays its card based on the Hindu religion. Jointly, SAD and BJP had been helping each other in Punjab's electoral politics.
With the kind of alliance being sought with pro-Khalistan entities, the Sukhbir Badal-led Akali Dal might never be able to come close to the BJP. It will also not be able to garner.
Hindu support in the state. The emerging situation in view of the Sangrur by-election makes it clear that the fight is going to be between a pro-Khalistan candidate as proposed by Sukhbir Badal, or Mann and the one committed to the ideology of a united India.