Aug 3: The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has intensified its calls for Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to take decisive action against Gurmeet Ram Rahim, the chief of Dera Sacha Sauda, in connection with multiple sacrilege cases. SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal has demanded the prosecution of Ram Rahim, citing the need for justice in the wake of incidents that have deeply hurt the Sikh community.
The controversy dates back to 2015, when sacrilege incidents involving the desecration of the Guru Granth Sahib led to widespread outrage and protests across Punjab. The SAD, which was in power at the time, faced severe criticism for its handling of the situation. Badal has recently issued a public apology for his party’s inability to effectively address the sacrilege cases during their tenure. He expressed regret for failing to apprehend and punish the culprits, which has remained a painful chapter in his political career.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, however, has faced accusations from the opposition, including the SAD, of not taking adequate steps to prosecute Gurmeet Ram Rahim. Mann’s government has denied these allegations, with officials stating that legal proceedings are being followed diligently.
The sacrilege incidents have continued to be a sensitive and pivotal issue in Punjab’s political landscape. The Akali Dal’s renewed calls for action are seen as an attempt to reclaim political ground and address long-standing grievances within the Sikh community. The party’s demand includes not just prosecution but also a transparent and swift judicial process to ensure that justice is served.
