AMRITSAR: The controversy about the construction of a Gurdwara at Mastuana (Sangrur) is expected to have political repercussions on leaders of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), headed by Parkash Singh Badal.

The issue which has already created a furore in the Sikh circles has been acquiring political dimensions in the wake of affiliation of Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, secretary general SAD, with the Akali Council, an advisory body of Mastuana Gurdwara Trust Dhindsa is president of the council.

Dhindsa is considered close to Badal and the Gurdwara issue may become handy for Badal’s detractors within the party. The political observers feel that Gurcharan Singh Tohra camp which is putting together with Badal due to political compulsions may find an opportunity to settle the scores, The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has urged the Jathedar of Akal Takht to summon Sant Balwant Singh Sehorewale at Akal Takht for issuing a statement that a separate Akal Bunga (Takht), and Harmandir Sahib for the Sikhs living in the Malwa region, will be built at Mastuana. Tohra said that construction of a parallel Golden Temple had thrown a major challenge to the Sikh community.

On the other hand Sant Lal Singh, patron of Akal Council who also heads the Bihingam Jatha responsible for carrying the “Kar Sewa™ of the Gurdwara has reportedly wrote a Letter to Bhai Manjit Singh, Jathedar of Akal Takht, justifying the construction of the Gurdwara. He is reported to have mentioned in his letter that Akal Council, comprising of eminent Akali leaders and sants was in the knowledge of facts about construction of Gurdwara having affinity with Harmandir Sahib. Late Sant Harcharan Singh was also a member of the council.

The first indication of the starting tirade against Dhindsa was available March 9th, when Harinder Singh Kahlon president of Shiromani Youth Akali Dal at a press conference demanded also to summon Dhindsa at the Akal Takht. Kahlon who is strong critic of Badal said that Dhindsa couldn’t be absolved of responsibility since he is president of the Akal Council and knowing the facts. Kahlon said that construction of Gurdwara was being carried since 1967 and various Akali leaders from time to time had remained affiliated with the council working under Mastuana Gurdwara trust.

 ‘The demand for summoning Dhindsa is likely to get momentum and in that case Badal may also feel the brunt of controversy. Simranjit Singh Mann, president of a rival faction of Akali Dal at a political conference of his party at Holla Mohalla at Anandpur Sahib had raised this issue.

He also questioned the conspicuous silence of Akal Takht Jathedar, Bhai Manjit Singh on this sensitive issue.

He said that Bhai Manjit Singh should lead the Sikhs to fight against the so-called sants who are instrumental in raising the building. He said that even if need be, the building of the Gurdwara should be demolished to maintain the sanctity of Harmandir Sahib and Akal Takht.

Article extracted from this publication >>  March 13, 1996