Dhindsa advises Sukhbir to listen to dissidents’ concerns

SANGRUR: Veteran Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader and Rajya Sabha member Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa on Saturday advised party president Sukhbir Singh Badal to listen to the concerns of Taksali leaders in the party.

He also sought a review of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee’s recent move to remove historian Kirpal Singh from an SGPC project.

Dhindsa, who has resigned from all party posts, said that he had raised his voice in the party forum.

“Main tan bahut baar keh baithan, hun tan chhaddi baithan (I have pointed out these issues several times, but now I have given up),” he said.

The statement comes amid the ongoing political crisis in SAD over the party leadership and its growing criticism over Panthic issues, including sacrilege incidents which took place during the SAD-BJP regime.

“The concerns of all religious and political dissenters should be listened to. I reiterate that the SAD president must look into the issue,” said Dhindsa when mediapersons asked for his advice to Sukhbir to tide over the current crisis in the party.

Dhindsa, accompanied by SGPC president Gobind Singh Longowal, was at his native village Ubhawal, around 12km from Sangrur, to attend the ‘akhand path’ held by the village residents for his (Dhindsa’s) good health.

‘PARTY TO DECIDE ON MY RESIGNATION’

Speaking on the occasion, Dhindsa said he is going to take retirement from politics.

However, when HT asked him what will be his response if he is given the party president’s post, the MP said, “It depends. I have resigned on the health ground. It depends on the party whether my resignation is accepted or not. The time will decide everything.”

He also condemned the expulsion of veteran SAD leaders of Majha from the party.

“They (Taksali Akalis) have sacrificed a lot for the party. The SAD president should have issued a notice before their expulsion. The manner in which they were sacked was improper,” he added.

The concerns of all religious and political dissenters should be listened to. I reiterate that the SAD president must look into the issue. SUKHDEV SINGH DHINDSA, veteran SAD leader and Rajya Sabha member

RAISES QUESTIONS OVER SGPC FUNCTIONING

Though he was accompanied by the SGPC chief, Dhindsa did not refrain from criticising the gurdwara body for action against historian Kirpal Singh, whose services were terminated as director of SGPC’S Sikh history project.

He also resented the ‘undemocratic’ behavior with SGPC member Kiranjot Kaur during the committee’s recent meeting in Amritsar, wherein she was not allowed to speak.

“Kirpal Singh has been honoured by SGPC and the Akal Takht for his works. The Sikh body should have listened to his version. The SGPC should have a rethink on its decision,” said Dhindsa. “SGPC is a democratic body and if Kiranjot Kaur wanted to raise certain issues, she should have been given adequate time,” he added.