PHAGWARA: Senior Congress leader and MLA from Bholath, Sukhpal Singh Khaira, on Tuesday strongly criticised Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for what he termed as the use of derogatory and inappropriate language against Baba Gurinder Singh Ji, the head of Radha Swami Satsang Beas. The remarks were reportedly made in reference to Baba Gurinder Singh Ji’s meeting with Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia.
In a statement issued here, Khaira described the Chief Minister’s comments as “highly unfortunate, condemnable and against the dignity of a constitutional office.” He said dragging a respected spiritual leader into political controversies over a social interaction reflected poorly on the standards of public discourse and governance in the state. According to Khaira, spiritual and religious leaders routinely meet individuals from different political and social backgrounds, and such interactions should not be politicised for narrow partisan gains.
Khaira further questioned the Aam Aadmi Party government’s handling of the case against Bikram Singh Majithia, stating that despite serious allegations, the Punjab Government and its Vigilance Bureau have failed to present convincing and credible evidence in the public domain. He pointed out that the Hon’ble Supreme Court granting bail in the matter has raised legitimate concerns about the way the case was projected and pursued, particularly in the political context.
Referring to Baba Gurinder Singh Ji’s reported views on the alleged false implication of Majithia, Khaira said these sentiments are increasingly resonating across Punjab. He claimed there is a growing public perception that the state government is misusing the police and investigative agencies to target political opponents through fabricated and politically motivated cases. Such a trend, he warned, is eroding public trust in law enforcement institutions.
Khaira stated that making personal or disparaging remarks against Baba Gurinder Singh Ji amounts to hurting the religious sentiments of lakhs of followers who hold him in deep reverence. “Political disagreements can never justify disrespect towards spiritual figures who command immense faith and respect among the people, ” he said.