Thane Gurudwara Incident: What Really Happened During JP Nadda's Guru Nanak Jayanti Visit?

During the Maharashtra Assembly elections, Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) President JP Nadda's visit to a Gurudwara in Thane stirred controversy. The incident occurred on November 15, during Guru Nanak Jayanti celebrations. Nadda's presence at the Gurdwara Sri Dashmesh Darbar coincided with a Kirtan, leading to disruptions, as reported by mid-day. The Gurudwara authorities later clarified the situation, denying political and media claims.

Nadda was in Thane campaigning for Sanjay Kelkar and other Mahayuti candidates. His schedule included meetings with party workers and public addresses to boost election morale. Before these engagements, he visited the Gurudwara near Teen Hath Naka to pay respects on Guru Nanak Jayanti. Accompanying him were MLA Sanjay Kelkar, Niranjan Davkhare, Madhavi Naik, and Sanjay Waghule.

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Gurudwara Clarifies Incident

Giani Lakhwinder Singh, Granthi of Gurdwara Sri Dashmesh Darbar, explained: "Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh. On the occasion of Guru Nanak Jayanti, just like thousands of devotees, Nadda ji had also come to the Gurudwara to bow his head with devotion. However, during the ongoing Kirtan, he had to leave for another scheduled programme. When he stood up to leave, some of his companions and media personnel stood with their backs toward the Guru Maharaj and the Kirtanists. We only requested them to respect the Kirtan. Unfortunately, the media has reported this incident inaccurately. The Gurudwara respects everyone equally, but the highest respect is always for Guru Granth Sahib, Guruvani, and Kirtan."

The incident highlighted challenges political leaders face when blending religious outreach with political agendas. During his visit, Nadda initially participated respectfully in the congregation (Satsang) and Kirtan. However, a felicitation ceremony disrupted proceedings. The Gurudwara staff asked Nadda's group to either sit or leave so that the service could continue uninterrupted.

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Media Misinterpretation Addressed

Gurmukh Singh Syan, President of the Gurudwara Committee, issued a statement refuting claims by Congress leaders and some media outlets that Nadda was asked to leave due to wearing stoles with party symbols. Syan clarified that it was media personnel who caused issues by filming with their backs to the Kirtanists. They were politely asked to respect the service but instead spread rumours about what transpired.

Nadda complied promptly when requested by security personnel at the Gurudwara. His visit aimed at paying homage on Guru Nanak Jayanti inadvertently became a reminder of maintaining decorum during religious events amidst political activities.