AAP wooing hardliner Sikh organisations against Shiromani Akali Dal
The hardliner Sikh organisations gathered in Chandigarh to chalk out the strategy to unite themselves and pose a challenge to the Shiromani Akali Dal in the 2017 assembly elections.
Aam Aadmi Party is leaving no stone unturned to attract the anti-Badal and anti-Shiromani Akali Dal organisations.The party has launched Punjab Jodo (unite Punjab) campaign to attract voters and anti-BJP and anti-Badal forces.
The first phase of Punjab Jodo campaign has received an overwhelming response in many parts of the state.Interestingly the party is also wooing the hardliner Sikh organisations to attract the Sikh votes. AAP's Punjab affairs incharge Sanjay Singh and Sangrur MP Bhagwant Mann were seen addressing public gatherings which were attended by hardliner leaders. At many places the party banners also contained the photos of slain Khalistan terrorist Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale.
Sources close to the hardliner Sikh groups say many of their leaders are keen to partner AAP to push their religious agenda (Panthik Agenda) which took a back seat after the Shiromani Akali Dal partnered BJP.
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The hardliner Sikh organisations gathered in Chandigarh on Monday to chalk out the strategy to unite themselves and pose a challenge to the Shiromani Akali Dal and other parties in the 2017 assembly elections.
"All religious organisations should come forward to support Arvind Kejriwal in 2017 assembly elections as he has raised a voice in favour of Sikhs," former professor,Panjab University,Gurdarshan Singh Dhillon said . However,hardliner Sikh organisations like Akali Dal (Amritsar) are against forming alliances with mainstream parties including AAP as they still pursue their 'Khalistan' agenda.
Though the number of Sikhs who support the divisive forces are negligible but the hardliner groups are known for raising the Sikh issues like anti-Sikh riots which is an emotional issue for all Sikhs. AAP's strategy to connect to these groups may add more sympathisers to their kitty in the days to come.
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"We cannot call them hardliners.They are fighting for justice.The victims of 1984-anti-Sikh riots re still on roads.They were used as a vote bank by the Akali Dal and BJP.We are with them and will raise their issues," an AAP leader not wanting to be named said.