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Amritsar, Adding a new dimension to the on-going calendar controversy, the Dal Khalsa has claimed that Nanaksar Samparda was pressing upon the Badal family to revert Nanakshahi to Bikrami calendar.
In a policy statement released to the media, the Dal Khalsa head H S Dhami vowed that they would oppose any such move and would also expose those forces working behind the curtain. He reaffirmed that the Nanakshahi calendar was the manifestation of distinct and separate identity of the Sikhs.
Dhami said Sant Samaj pressed the Badals in 2010 and succeeded in “mixing Nanakshahi with Bikrami through amendments”. However, this time the move to revert back to Bikrami was the brainchild of another religious sect that doesn’t follow the Akal Takht approved Sikh Rehat Maryada.
“Sant Samaj only killed the letter and spirit of the original calendar through amendments, where as this sect wants to kill Nanakshahi calendar itself and give another blow to the distinct identity of the Sikhs”, said he.
The withdrawal of security cover from Jathedar Balwant Singh Nanadgarh should be seen in this context, said he. “Badals using pressure tactics to make Nanadgarh fall in line as Jathedar Akal Takht and SGPC head were considered to be their “yes man”.
He said family members of Badal especially husband and wife (Union Cabinet minister) were disciple of this “influential and cash-rich” sect.
Going further, he said Badals has used the services of Sant Samaj to petition at Akal Takht to revert to Bikrami.
He said the mixing of Nanakshahi with Bikrami has already created a mess and confusion. Hence, he appealed to the Jathedar Akal Takht to implement the original calendar approved by Khalsa Panth and released by SGPC in 2003.
He said Sikhs have been striving to get honourable recognition to their separate identity since long and reverting back to Bikrami would be a set-back to their just struggle.
“Sikhs would not sit back quietly if their own premier institutions would take any unprincipled stance that dilutes their unique identity”, said he.
