Driving Naari Programme launched in Chandigarh
Amritsar, September 24: In a decision which has wider political dimensions in the context of Punjabs’ electoral discourse, Akal Takht, the supreme temporal seat symbolising sovereignty of the Sikh doctrine, today ended the confrontation with the controversial Sirsa based Dera Sacha Sauda by accepting the apology of its chief Gurmit Ram Rahim Singh.
The decision to this effect was taken at a meeting of the high priests which accepted the explanation sent by the Dera Sacha Sauda chief.
The confrontation between the Sikhs and the Dera dates back to 2008 when a picture of Ram Rahim Singh appeared dressed like Guru Gobind Singh. The Sikh clergy, while accepting his clarification, warned him against repetition of such acts. The picture related to his congregation at his Salabatpura dera in Bathinda district.
This action of his had brought the Dera in direct confrontation with the Sikhs with the Akal Takht issuing a directive against the sect which has following both among Hindus and the Sikhs.
It may be mentioned that this Dera has considerable following in the Malwa region of Punjab and the politicians of every hue throng to Ram Rahim Singh in every election to seek his blessing.
This decision is significant in the context of 2017 Punjab assembly elections.
