BJP Insults Sikh Maryada, Hurts Sentiments of Punjabis by Making ‘Cartoons’ of Guru Sahib and Sahibzadas: Kuldeep Dhaliwal
Chandigarh (The Uttam Hindu): Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab’s Chief Spokesperson and MLA Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal launched a sharp attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), stating that BJP’s hatred towards Punjab, Punjabi culture and its great heritage has once again come out to the front.
Addressing a press conference at the party office on Tuesday, Dhaliwal said that time and again, BJP has proved through its actions that it has not even an iota of respect for Punjab.
He said that this time, BJP has crossed all limits of disgrace. On one hand, the entire world is immersed in the spiritual atmosphere of Shaheedi Saptah (Martyrdom Week) and paying obeisance to the unparalleled martyrdom of the Sahibzadas, while on the other hand, BJP has posted a shameful poster by making ‘cartoons’ of Guru Sahiban and the Sahibzadas. In Sikh tradition, portraying Gurus through images or cartoons is completely prohibited.
Dhaliwal further said that this despicable act by BJP has not only violated Sikh principles but has also deeply hurt the sentiments of Sikhs and Punjabis across the world. Since the poster surfaced, there is immense anger and outrage in the minds of every Punjabi. BJP has deliberately created this controversy at such a sacred time to disturb the peace and harmony of Punjab.
Dhaliwal also raised serious questions over the silence of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and its President Harjinder Singh Dhami on this sensitive issue. He said it is extremely unfortunate and shocking that when BJP released such an insulting poster, SGPC should have strongly opposed it immediately, but due to political collusion, no concrete response has come forth so far.
The Aam Aadmi Party strongly condemns this shameful and condemnable act of BJP. Dhaliwal demanded that BJP’s entire central and state leadership must immediately and unconditionally issue a public apology to Sikhs across the world for this act.
Dhaliwal also appealed to the Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib and the SGPC to take strict notice of this violation of Sikh maryada by BJP. He demanded that the apex Sikh institution should not remain mute spectators in this matter and must ensure immediate and strict religious and legal action against BJP, so that no one dares to play with Sikh religious sentiments in the future.