Rai: Sikh Mayor Demand Unjustified

[Azaad]

State BJP general secretary Manjit Singh Rai today condemned the demand for a Sikh Mayor in Amritsar. In a press statement, he said such demands were aimed at creating a rift between the Hindu and Sikh communities.

“It was a Muslim saint, Mian Mir, who laid the foundation stone of Sri Harmandar Sahib. The shrine doors are open to people from all castes and creeds. The demand to hand over the political leadership of this holy city to a particular religion is against the teachings of the Gurus.”

Rai said undoubtedly Amritsar was sacred for the Sikhs. But this did not mean that political posts should go to the Sikhs alone. The demand was unjustified as the entire Punjab was the land of the Gurus. “If things are to be decided on this principle, then the Prime Minister of a Hindu-dominated country would never be a Sikh. Neither would a Muslim be the country’s President. Neither Gaini Zail Singh would have been President of India, nor General JJ Singh the Army Chief,” Rai said.

“Punjab has already witnessed terrorism and issuing such statements would only mean disturbing the peace and tranquility of Punjab.” he added.

[Sherdil]

Rai should understand that it's not Hindus we have a problem with. It's the BJP / RSS crew that we don't want running Amritsar, for obvious reasons. Also, how come BJP gets to pick the mayor of Amritsar?

[Jonny101]

It's not about being Anti Hindu or anti anything. But Amritsar holds the same status for Sikhs as Haridwar does for Hindus, Makkah does for Muslims and Jerusalem does for Jews. The mayor of Amritsar should be a Sikh. In fact, it should only be an Amritdari Sikh.

[singh135]

man BJP are annoying. How can they speak like that and quote Sikh history to Jathedar of damdami Taksal?

[freedom11]

I am with Baba Dhumma - Sikh Mayor Amritsar- Jindabaad Jindbaad!