In Punjab, the 42nd anniversary of Operation Blue Star has sparked a dispute between the Damdami Taksal, an influential Sikh organisation once led by Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, and the Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) headed by former MP Simranjit Singh Mann.
On Friday, Damdami Taksal chief Harnam Singh Dhuma and Mann argued over commemorative events. Mann accused Dhuma of holding a separate function at the Taksal headquarters in Mehta, Amritsar, to weaken the main annual observance at Sri Akal Takht Sahib on June 6.
This is not their first clash. Mann, whose party supports Khalistan, has questioned Dhuma’s perceived closeness to the BJP. The Sukhbir Singh Badal-led SAD, a former BJP ally until 2020, also objects to Dhuma’s alignment efforts.
The Damdami Taksal stands between conflicting positions. It honours Bhindranwale, killed on June 6, 1984, during Operation Blue Star, as a pro-Khalistan figure, yet faces criticism for growing ties with the BJP, which opposes Khalistan.
Recent tension arose from the Taksal’s support for the BJP in the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections. In March, it joined a state event marking the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib, attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Spokesperson Harshdeep Singh Randhawa told The Indian Express the event was a Maharashtra government programme seeking Taksal cooperation. He said Sikhs in Maharashtra have no alternative but to support the BJP, as Congress and Shiv Sena do not back them.
Randhawa explained Dhuma acted as a patron to secure a state-level observance of the anniversary. He stressed Taksal engagement with the BJP is limited to Maharashtra, with no coordination at national or Punjab levels.
The Taksal continues to pursue issues such as Chandigarh’s status, Sikh political prisoners’ rights, 1984 events, and repeal of Article 25. A memorandum was submitted to BJP leaders including Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Any Punjab engagement requires addressing Sikh concerns, especially prisoner releases. Ideological differences remain, particularly the RSS position that Sikhs are not a separate nation.
At the Maharashtra event, some Hindu preachers described Sikhs as “Sanatani,” viewed as an RSS framing. Randhawa credited the BJP for the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor and Veer Baal Diwas but said more progress is needed.
