‘Politicisation’ of gurdwaras cause for concern, says Sikh body chief

Our Correspondent

Mandi Ahmedgarh, Jan 20

Chief of the Sikh Sadbhawna Dal and former Hazoori Raagi Bhai Baldev Singh Wadala has called upon the office-bearers and activists of various Sikh religious organisations to launch a coordinated movement to get Sikh religious outfits, including the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, freed from the clutches of politicians so that the platform may be used to preach teachings of 10 Sikh Gurus and

Guru Granth Sahib in letter and in spirit.

While talking to the Tribune, after addressing a congregation at Gurdwara Singh Sabha at Railway road, Wadala alleged that the sacred institute of Gurdwara had been exploited by a couple of families of the state to harness political and economical mileage with vested interests.

“It is high time that the Sikh religious leaders, disciples of Sikh Gurus and followers of Shri Guru Granth Sahib, took stand against politicisation of gurdwaras. Once released from clutches of politicians Gurudwaras will prove panacea for all issues related with Sikhs and Punjabis too,” said Wadala.

Commenting on recent incidents of vandalising statues on Heritage Street at Amritsar, Baldev Singh Wadala argued that the situation was the result of SAD government’s efforts to dilute religious and historical importance of Amritsar as a holy city by developing it as heritage hub.

“Unfortunately, simultaneous sermonising of Gurbani and display of statues of dancing girls and boys has confused visitors to the holy city which was obvious to result in irreverence by less aware Sikhs and non-Sikh visitors to our shrines,” he said.

Meanwhile office bearers and activists of Sikh outfits led by Dr Rupinder Singh, Amandeep Dardi, Bhai Kuldeep Singh and councilor Kamaljit Singh Ubhi announced to associate with the Gurdwara Sudhar movement launched by Bhai Wadala under banner of Sikh Sadbhawna Dal.