Dhumma, Rode campaign for SAD (B) in Delhi

[Azaad]

The Damdami Taksal chief, Harnam Singh Dhumma, accompanied by former Akal Takht chief Jathedar Jasbir Singh Rode, today called upon the Sikh voters in the Capital to save the ‘Panth’ (community) and vote for the Parkash Singh Badal- Shiromani Akali Dal in the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) poll on January 27.

Dhumma and Rode, who was Akal Takht chief during Operation Black Thunder-II in 1988, both shared the dais with Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal here this evening.

Dhumma, who leads the Sant Samaj, said: “The SAD symbolises the Panth and you must ensure its victory in the elections. Paramjit Singh Sarna opposes the Akal Takht edicts. Hence, he does not deserve to win.” Dhumma’s speech to the 800-strong crowd at the Delhi residence of SAD MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal was received with cries of ‘Bole So Nihal.

Rode, a nephew of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwala, was even more forceful in his speech. “You must ensure that the reins of the DSGMC are handed back to the Panth. And we will ensure your welfare,” he said.

Later Sukhbir Badal, when asked to clarify if this meant that his party was backed by the Panth in its fight against Sarna, he said: “This if a fight of the community against these people (the Sarna brothers)”.

Sukhbir, who landed in Delhi this evening, told his supporters: “Sarna is being used to weaken the community. But nobody, from Sonia (Gandhi) to Sajjan Kumar to (Jagdish) Tytler, can stop the victory of the Panth”.

Sukhbir’s team that consists of leaders like Ludhiana legislator Sharanjit Singh Dhillon and old warhorses Balwant Singh Ramoowalia and Tarlochan Singh, are working behind the scenes, meeting people one on one. They have been able to build so much pressure that Sarna’s main candidate against Manjit Singh GK, Badal’s presidential nominee, has withdrawn from the contest.

He was seen at today’s congregation, sharing the stage with Dhumma and Rode.