Chandigarh, July 8: Manjinder Singh Sirsa, a Sikh leader from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), criticized the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) for opposing the proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC). Sirsa accused the SGPC, considered the mini parliament of Sikhs, of aligning with its political masters, specifically the Shiromani Akali Dal led by Sukhbir Singh Badal.
Following the SGPC meeting on the UCC, Harjinder Singh Dhami, the president of the committee, stated that the UCC proposed by the BJP-led Central government is unnecessary in India since the Constitution recognizes the principle of ‘unity in diversity.’
Expressing surprise at the SGPC’s announcement to oppose the UCC, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, a BJP Sikh leader, called for clarification, pointing out that the Law Commission has not released any draft on the UCC. He emphasized that no government would dare to tamper with the unique Sikh identity and its traditions.
Sirsa expressed astonishment that the SGPC issued a statement opposing the UCC based on Sikh religion’s distinct identity, beliefs, and articles of faith, including unshorn hair (kes) and kirpan. He argued that this statement had caused confusion among the Sikh community.
He stated, “Governments not only in our country but around the world have acknowledged the unique Sikh identity and its traditions, which is why the kirpan has been allowed to be carried worldwide.” Sirsa highlighted that Sikh symbols of faith are permitted to be worn not only in the Indian Army but also in several other countries’ armies.
Sirsa requested SGPC President Dhami to clarify which UCC draft the committee was opposing, as it supposedly contradicted Sikh religion and its beliefs. He added that if the SGPC could present a draft that opposed Sikh interests, Sikhs across the country would support the committee on the issue.
Sirsa strongly criticized the SGPC for aligning with its political masters and prioritizing opposition for political gain. He asserted that the SGPC’s role should involve expressing the Sikh community’s views on its separate religious identity and the significance of Sikh articles of faith, rather than opposing a non-existent UCC. Sirsa implied that this move by the SGPC was an attempt to please its political masters and advance their political agenda, as the BJP has not aligned with the Shiromani Akali Dal in Punjab.
The Shiromani Akali Dal, which controls the SGPC, has previously voiced opposition to the proposed implementation of the UCC, citing concerns about its potential impact on minorities and tribal communities in the country.
