Episode no. 65
This interview with Shiromani Akali Dal senior leader Jathedar Karnail Singh Panjoli was published on 19 August 2022. In this interview, the past, present and future of Shiromani Akali Dal Badal’s politics were discussed with him. Talking about the allegations against the Shiromani Akali Dal, karnail Singh Panjoli said that the Akali Dal had made many sacrifices and struggled for Punjab. But Shiromani Akali Dal should correct their mistakes instead of defending them. He said that many things were done for the progress of Punjab by the Badals during their government, many historical buildings were built but the desecration of Guru Granth Sahib also happened during their time. Shots were fired at the Sikhs protesting for justice and false trials were conducted. He said that he was never close to the Badals but was close to Gurcharan Singh Tohra. He said that when Badal and Tohra separated, he went with Gurcharan Singh Tohra. About the meeting held at Amritsar, the pictures of which went viral, he said that it was just a pretext and the idea was that Sukhbir Badal should step back and there should be a new presidium. Giving his opinion, karnail Singh Panjoli said that the entire Shiromani Akali Dal should resign from their positions and prostrate at the Akal Takht Sahib and seek forgiveness. He said that there are some individuals in Shiromani Akali Dal who are very selfish and flatter Sukhbir Singh Badal for their own benefit. The organizational structure of the party has also been dissolved. He said that the cult is not accepting the role of some leaders, so their role will be written negatively in history, therefore Shiromani Akali Dal needs to sacrifice their selfishness Along with this, he also said that Shiromani Akali Dal should not have supported BJP’s mistakes. He said that there is no doubt that the party has suffered due to the selfishness of some people. Finally he said that he will always serve the panth and devote his life to religion.
~kulwinder kaur bajwa