Tarn Taran, June 16
Appearance of Mr Simranjit Singh Mann, President, Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) at the SGPC, SAD (Badal) stage and his call for reviving much talked about Anandpur Sahib Resolution of 1973, in presence of his political adversaries — the national BJP president and Mr Parkash Singh Badal, SAD chief is likely to initiate political debate in the state.

It is learnt that though senior SAD leaders were not in favour of inviting Mr Mann to address the gathering to mark 400th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Arjan Dev yet it was deft handling of Mr Badal who took ‘calculated risk’ by allowing Mr Mann to address the congregation. Mr I.K. Gujral and Mr Deve Gowda — both former Prime Ministers and Mr Nitish Kumar, Chief Minister, were also present on the stage. It is learnt that Mr Mann was conveyed through senior leaders not to raise the demand for separate Sikh state in wake of martyrdom anniversary.

Though, the Anandpur Sahib Resolution seeks pre-eminence of Khalsa, yet the SAD leadership heaved a sigh of relief when Mr Mann confined his speech to the resolution which was part of Punjab Accord, signed between Rajiv Gandhi and Sant Harchand Singh Longowal in 1985, a year after Operation Bluestar. This resolution was later referred to the Sarkaria Commission. The SAD also asked his musclemen to keep close watch on Mr Mann. The SAD apprehended that supporters of Mr Mann could indulge in sloganeering during address by national president of the BJP.

Unlike past practice, the organisers, the SGPC-SAD did not invite religious leaders of other faiths at this mega event.

Earlier, in his message, Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti, Jathedar, Akal Takht, urged to sink differences for high spirits of Sikhism. He said such development would be true tribute to Guru Arjan Dev on his 400th martyrdom anniversary.

Addressing the gathering Mr Rajnath Singh alleged that Sikh’s identity is in danger due to religious conversions at the behest of missionaries active in the state. Mr Singh said that he was pained to learn that religious conversions were going on in the state, which is known for its valiant glory. He said the real tribute to the Guru would be to take a pledge on this pious day that we would stick to the religion we belong and uphold the principles for which the fifth Guru had sacrificed his life. He, however, said that everyone had the right and freedom to opt a religion of his choice but it should not be under anyone’s behest or pressure.

Criticising the central government on the issue of rising prices the BJP president said that the UPA government had failed to keep tab on the price of the consumer items. He said that when the NDA government was in power at the Centre for six years it had kept a tab on the price increase. He said the government had not paid the farmers their due as on the one hand it had fixed the price of the wheat at Rs 650 per quintal while on the other it was importing wheat from Australia at Rs 1050 per quintal.

Mr Nitish Kumar, Chief Minister of Bihar, said that there were close relations between the people of his state and the people of Punjab. He said he had come all the way from Patna Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh to pay tribute to the martyred Guru. He said people of both states would move together to achieve economic prosperity. He said the people of Bihar were now free of terror under the BJP government led by him and his state was back on the rails to progress.

Mr H.D. Devegowda, former Prime Minister, speaking on the occasion said that that the country was moving in different directions as the people of the country were being divided in the name of religion, caste and region. He said for establishing a peaceful society the people should follow the ideals set by Guru Arjan Dev.

Mr Inder Kumar Gujral, former Prime Minister, said that Guru Granth Sahib compiled by Guru Arjan Dev had enshrined the message of universal brotherhood and world peace, which is the need of the hour.