Senior Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Parambans Singh Romana on Tuesday accused Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann of politicising the sensitive ‘saroop’ issue for political benefit. He linked the move to the growing SAD resurgence saroop politics after recent electoral gains.
Romana said the Chief Minister revived the issue after SAD performed well in the Tarn Taran bypoll and the Block Samiti and Zila Parishad elections. He claimed the timing exposed political intent.
Addressing a press conference, Romana stated that Mann had earlier accepted the Bhai Isher Singh Committee report. The report clearly concluded that no ‘saroop’ of Sri Guru Granth Sahib had been stolen.
He explained that the matter only involved the non-deposit of the required donation with the SGPC during distribution of ‘saroops’. He said the issue never involved theft or sacrilege.
Romana recalled that when SGPC staff approached the High Court, the AAP government told the court that SGPC had handled the issue. At that time, the government opposed any further intervention.
He accused the Chief Minister of changing his stand due to shifting political equations and the SAD resurgence saroop politics narrative. Romana said the government ignored directions from Sri Akal Takht, which called the issue an internal Sikh matter.
He also criticised the government for avoiding discussions on law and order and Punjab’s finances. Romana questioned the SIT’s formation and sought answers on the appointment of an accused to a key post.
