Ex-jathedar Praises Sonia

[Azaad]

Former Jathedar of Akal Takht Bhai Ranjit Singh today eulogised Sonia Gandhi, president of the Congress, for giving a chance to Dr Manmohan Singh to serve the nation as Prime Minister for yet another term.

Talking to The Tribune here today, the former Jathedar said Dr Manmohan Singh had been instrumental in projecting the distinct identity of Sikhs all over the world due to his honesty and statesmanship. “What the SGPC and the SAD could not do for the community after spending crores, Dr Manmohan Singh did within a few years,” he said.

Describing Dr Manmohan Singh as “24-carat gold”, Bhai Ranjit Singh said the ruling SAD and the SGPC failed to give due honour to such a gentleman PM. He, however, blamed BJP MP Navjot Singh Sidhu for allegedly spoiling the image of Sikhs through his laughter shows.

Coming down heavily on Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, the Jathedar alleged that he was responsible for destroying the age-old Sikh institutions. The SAD always exploited the issue of Delhi-riots during the elections. He alleged that Badal was sitting on a chair during an akhand path held at Akal Takht in gross violation of the Sikh Maryada.

In 2004, then SGPC’s secretary Manjit Singh Calcutta had earned the wrath of the SAD for praising Sonia for projecting Dr Manmohan Singh as PM.