JALANDHAR: Gurmat Sidhant Pracharak Sant Samaj today announced its support for the SAD-BSP alliance in the forthcoming assembly elections and urged all Sikhs and Punjabis to wholeheartedly support the alliance for the welfare of Punjab.
The decision to support the SAD-BSP alliance was taken at a meeting of around 300 Sikh preachers held here today which was presided over by Sant Harnam Singh Khalsa, the chief of the Damdami Taksal. Th meeting was attended by Sikh preachers from different sects including Udasin, Nirmale, Kar Sewa Wale and Nihang Singh representatives.
Announcing the decision of the Sant Samaj, Sant Harnam Singh Dhumma Khalsa said the decision had been taken keeping in view the work done by erstwhile SAD led governments to preserve and propagate the heritage and culture of Punjab be it establishment of the Virasat-e- Khalsa, Heritage street at Amritsar, memorial of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur and the Chhota and Vadda Ghalllughara memorials. He said the formation of the SAD was part of a struggle of the panth to liberate its gurughars and that the Akali Dal had always spearheaded ‘morchas’ to safeguard panthic interests as well as those of the State. “It is essential to support the SAD-BSP alliance to safeguard panthic heritage”, he added.
Prominent sants who participated in the meeting included Baba Gurdial Singh Tandewale, Baba Mohinder Singh Janer wale, Baba Hakam Singh, Baba Budh Singh ji Nikke Ghumna wale, Tarlok Singh Khiale wale, Surjit Singh Ghanurki wale, Baba Amarjit Singh Harkhowal, Avtar Singh Dhulekot, Amarjit Singh Chawla, Mann Singh Mariawale, Baba Dhanna Singh Nanaksar Barundi on behalf of Baba Parmjit Singh Hansali Sahib, Baba Hari Singh Nank Kaleran wale, Baba Jagjit Singh Lopowale besides others.
Meanwhile SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal while reacting to the development, expressed gratitude to the Sant Samaj for expressing its overwhelming support to the SAD. “An onerous responsibility has been put on my shoulders to rise to the occasion. May almighty give me the strength to continue the legacy of S Parkash Singh Badal who took it upon himself to preserve and promote and heritage and culture of the State. I assure that the next SAD-BSP government will continue to not only safeguard panthic and Punjabi values from onslaughts by outsiders, but will take everyone along in the path towards peace and prosperity”.