The Hindu : Martyrdom for Bhindranwale will have major political impact

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Jun 08, 2003

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Martyrdom for Bhindranwale will have major political impact

By Sarabjit Pandher

CHANDIGARH JUNE 7. The decision of the Akal Takht and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) in conferring martyrdom on the firebrand militant leader, Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, will have a major impact on today's politics.

It was the Congress, which made a hero out of Bhindranwale. But 19 years after his death the Akal Takht and the SGPC, in an attempt to provide some impetus to the ideological content, conferred him martyrdom. Bhindranwale is being placed in the tradition of ``revenge and martyrdom'' which Punjab, especially the Sikhs are so proud to own.

The decision of granting martyrdom to Bhindranwale has to be seen as part of a string of events, which begin with the release of the separate Sikh almanac, the Nanakshahi Calendar by the SGPC, at the political congregation organised by the Akali faction led by the former Chief Minister, Parkash Singh Badal. The calendar was released on Baisakhi Day in April this year at Talwandi Sabo.

The chain of events is being viewed as a major input for the Akali Dal, which feels alienated from its cadre due to the weakening of its ideology. Akali politics now appears more individual-centric and politically expedient. Political thinkers within the Akali circle seem to have relied on reviving certain symbols to provide colour to the opportunist politics for the resurgence of the party.

The conferring of martyrdom on Bhindranwale is expected to have far-reaching consequences. Observers feel that while it could rally the Akali cadres, it may result in further alienation of the Hindus as well as liberal sections of the Sikhs.

Political analysts are of the opinion that if the ideology of the exclusive and separate identity of the Sikhs comes to the centre-stage of Punjab politics, the recent developments would only stand out as major milestones as a situation could metamorphose into being socially and politically divisive.

For the BJP, it is time to take a decision after it has already paid a heavy price at the hustings in the last Lok Sabha polls. The BJP, even at the national level, would have to take a stand, as observers feel that the alliance between the BJP and the SAD could worsen, much to the pleasure and benefit of the Congress.

Perhaps understanding the dilemma he has been facing, the Akali chief, Parkash Singh Badal, has resorted to not publicly owning Bhindranwale's martyrdom. Perhaps after the BJP's success in Gujarat, Mr. Badal may have been tempted to use ideology to ensure success in the electoral politics.

While his party controls both the SGPC and exerts influence over religious institutions including the Akal Takht, it would be interesting to note, how far Mr. Badal manages to sail in two boats.

Posters burnt

PTI reports from Phagwara:

Shiv Sena activists today burnt posters of Bhindranwale in protest against his declaration as a martyr. The protesters disrupted traffic briefly and raised provocative slogans. They also raised `murdabad' slogans against Bhindranwale and against the Akhal Takht jathedar, Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti, for what they called violation of maryada of the Akal Takht by declaring Bhindranwale a martyr.

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Martyrdom for Bhindranwale will have major political impact