Punjab CM Slams Harsimrat Badal for Equating SAD Symbol with Guru Nanaks Scales

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann criticized Shiromani Akali Dal MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal for comparing the partys election symbol to the scales of Guru Nanak Dev, questioning the silence of SGPC chief Harjinder Singh Dhami on the matter.

Chandigarh, January 18: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has strongly criticized Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal for allegedly comparing the election symbol of her party with the scales of the first Sikh guru, Nanak Dev. Mann also questioned the silence of Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) chief Harjinder Singh Dhami on Badal's statement.

Badal's Controversial Statement

The SAD's election symbol is a weighing scale, which is also associated with Guru Nanak Dev. Badal, the MP from Bathinda, had recently made a statement equating the party's symbol with the scales of Guru Nanak Sahib, saying, "For us, this takkadi poll symbol of SAD is no less important than the takkadi scales of Guru Nanak Sahib."

Mann's Strong Condemnation

In a statement issued in Chandigarh, Mann expressed his deep disapproval of Badal's statement, calling it "irresponsible and baseless." He accused Badal of hurting the sentiments of every Sikh by making such insensitive remarks.

SGPC Chief's Silence Draws Criticism

Mann also criticized SGPC chief Harjinder Singh Dhami for his silence on the issue, accusing him of turning a blind eye to the misdeeds of his political masters. He stated, "The SGPC is mum over the issue. This shows that Dhami is nothing more than a loyal volunteer of the Akali Dal in general and the Badal family in particular."

Mann's Warning to SGPC Chief

The Chief Minister warned Dhami that the Sikh community will not forgive him for his policy of appeasement towards his masters and will hold him accountable for his actions. He said, "Surprisingly, the SGPC chief sees no wrong in all the haughty and mindless actions of the Badal family despite the fact that it is against the basic tenets of Sikhism."

Bhagwant Mann's strong condemnation of Harsimrat Kaur Badal's statement and his criticism of SGPC chief Harjinder Singh Dhami's silence on the matter have sparked a significant controversy in Punjab. The issue has ignited a debate on the importance of respecting religious symbols and the role of religious leaders in upholding the sentiments of their communities.