"Gurdwaras are places of faith...not political battlegrounds": BJP's RP Singh
BJP leader RP Singh petitions the National Commission for Minorities over alleged political slogans and protests inside Gurdwara Bangla Sahib.
In a significant escalation of tensions regarding the sanctity of religious sites, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National Spokesperson and former Delhi MLA RP Singh has formally petitioned the National Commission for Minorities. The move follows an alleged incident where political gatherings, slogan-shouting, and the display of placards reportedly took place within the sacred premises of Gurdwara Sri Bangla Sahib Ji.
In a letter addressed to the Commission Chairman, Sardar Harjit Singh Grewal, Singh accused followers of AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal, alongside members of Left student organisations, of using one of Delhi's most revered Sikh shrines for political grandstanding. The BJP leader expressed deep concern that the spiritual sanctity of the shrine is being compromised for partisan agendas.
Protecting the Sanctity of Guru Ghar
Emphasizing the purpose of the holy site, Singh stated that Gurdwara Bangla Sahib is intended for prayer, spiritual reflection, and sewa, rather than serving as a venue for political maneuvering. He noted that the reported conduct raises serious questions regarding the respect shown toward the religious sentiments of devotees and the dignity of the Guru Ghar.
While clarifying that his objection is not directed at any specific ideology, Singh insisted that the principle of religious respect must be universal. "The right to political expression does not entitle anyone to disregard the dignity of a sacred place of worship," he remarked, adding that no political agenda should ever be placed above the sanctity of a religious institution.
He further clarified that his representation is not an attempt to stifle democratic rights or peaceful protests, but rather to ensure that such activities are conducted in appropriate forums and in accordance with the law, rather than inside places of faith.
The Five-Point Action Plan
In his official representation to Chairman Sardar Harjit Singh Grewal, RP Singh laid out a comprehensive five-point plan for the commission to address the matter:
- Immediate Cognisance: Urging the commission to take notice of the incident and seek factual reports from the Delhi Police and the Gurdwara management.
- Thorough Investigation: Seeking directions for the Delhi Police to investigate the alleged political meeting, slogan-shouting, and placard displays within the shrine.
- Legal Action: Recommending that appropriate legal action be taken and ensuring an FIR is registered if cognizable offences are discovered.
- Protection of Sentiments: Requesting that the matter be examined through the lens of safeguarding Sikh religious sentiments and minority rights.
- Future Safeguards: Calling for the establishment of clear guidelines to prevent the future misuse of religious premises for partisan political activities.
DSGMC Condemns Politicisation
The controversy has also drawn sharp criticism from the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC). President Harmeet Singh Kalka condemned the attempt to stage a protest inside the Gurdwara, stating that such actions hurt Sikh sentiments.
Kalka accused AAP MLAs in Delhi of attempting to politicise the issue, describing it as distressing to see a sacred institution, where people come to seek solace and offer prayers, being turned into a political arena.