AAP's Jarnail Singh Questions DSGMC Over Bangla Sahib Incident
AAP leader Jarnail Singh writes to DSGMC questioning police conduct at Gurdwara Bangla Sahib and the committee's response to the incident.
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Delhi State Vice President and Tilak Nagar MLA Sardar Jarnail Singh has launched a scathing attack on the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC). In an open letter, the AAP leader raised serious concerns regarding an alleged violation of the sanctity of Gurdwara Sri Bangla Sahib by the Delhi Police during an operation on October 10.
Allegations of Sanctity Violation
Addressing a press conference, Jarnail Singh claimed that the police operation conducted on October 10 was "shameful." He alleged that police personnel entered the holy premises while wearing shoes and caps, and were carrying batons, which he argued directly violated the decorum of the Gurdwara.
“On October 10, Delhi Police carried out a shameful operation against students and ordinary members of the Sangat who had taken shelter at Gurdwara Sri Bangla Sahib. The police entered the gurdwara premises wearing shoes, with caps on their heads and batons in their hands, openly violating its sanctity and decorum,” Singh stated.
The Delhi Police has denied these allegations. Refuting claims made in a circulating social media video, the police stated that the personnel were actually walking through a common passage used by devotees to reach the area where shoes are removed before entering the main Gurdwara.
Questions for the DSGMC
Beyond the police conduct, Jarnail Singh turned his attention toward the leadership of the DSGMC. He questioned why the committee, instead of lodging a complaint against the police for the alleged intrusion, chose to file a complaint against the AAP instead.
The AAP leader presented 10 specific questions to the DSGMC president and committee members, including:
- Whether the committee believes the police action was justified.
- Whether any internal discussion took place before an FIR was filed.
- Why the committee permitted police intervention in the matter.
- Whether the committee can produce documents authorizing the police to enter the premises.
Singh also noted that some committee members had privately reached out to him, claiming that the decision to file a complaint was made against their wishes.
Political Allegations and Ideological Concerns
The controversy has taken a political turn, with Singh questioning the ideological leanings of certain DSGMC members. He pointed out their participation in programmes organised by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
He specifically referenced a Hukamnama issued by Sri Akal Takht Sahib regarding participation in RSS-organised events, asking, “Why, then, are committee members attending programmes organised by the BJP and the RSS? Do members of the gurdwara committee consider their membership a means of securing a BJP ticket?”
Singh expressed concern that labeling those seeking refuge at the Gurdwara as political workers could damage the global image of the Sikh community, which is traditionally known for providing shelter to those in need. He concluded by asking whether the committee's priority was to serve the BJP or to uphold Sikh principles, demanding a prompt response to his queries.