“I Do Not Consider Bhagwant Mann A Sikh”: Sukhbir Singh Badal

Shiromani Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Singh Badal launched a strong critique of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, asserting that he does not recognize him as a Sikh due to his purported lack of knowledge about Sikh history.

In a meeting with Sikh groups in Delhi, Badal expressed his sentiment, stating, “I do not consider him (Bhagwant Mann) a Sikh. He wears a turban to show that he is a Sikh. He does not know the history of Sikhs. We feel sad when we see him and hear his statements.”

Badal also made a comparison between Muslim and Sikh leaderships concerning their respective populations, highlighting, “The population of Muslims in the country is about 18 percent, but they have no leadership because they are not united. We are 2 percent, but we are united under Sri Akal Takht Sahib.”

Accusing the Punjab government of being influenced by Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal, Badal asserted, “They (AAP) are looting Punjab, and Arvind Kejriwal is the Chief Minister of Punjab, not Bhagwant Mann.”

The AAP secured a significant victory in the 2022 state polls, winning 92 out of 117 seats in the Assembly, overshadowing the Congress, which managed to secure only 18 seats.

During a meeting with members of the Sikh Sangat of Sri Patna Sahib (Bihar) and Mumbai (Maharashtra) at the residence of Delhi State unit president S Paramjit Singh Sarna, the 61-year-old leader announced the intention of the Shiromani Akali Dal to establish party units in states with Sikh populations. Encouraging unity within the Sikh community, he urged, “I appeal to all of you not to be divided and remain united…Shiromani Akali Dal will establish party units in all the states.”

The gathering also witnessed the return of veteran Akali leader S Manjit Singh GK to the Shiromani Akali Dal, along with his entire Jago party team. Badal expressed optimism about this unity, stating, “I am sure this unity will not only strengthen the Sikh community but pave the way for the resolution of all our pending demands.”

Emphasizing the importance of Panthic unity, Badal asserted, “This is part of a process to effect Panthic unity in the Sikh quom. The community is facing various challenges, and all can be resolved if we all get united under the flag of the Panth – that of the Shiromani Akali Dal.”

In a previous appeal, he had called on dissident Akali leaders to set aside their differences and unite under a single flag focusing on Panthic strength.