Move to restore credibility not reflected in Akali Dal’s otherwise well-articulated manifesto

 

Move to restore credibility not reflected in Akali Dal’s otherwise well-articulated manifesto

Ground Zero

Jagtar Singh

Chandigarh, May 19:

The election manifesto of the Shiromani Akali Dal has always been more than just documenting some promises or slogans.

These manifestos have been historical documents of the party that reflect socio-political path of development of this unique state of Punjab that is not just a geographical entity.

And over the years, it is the Shiromani Akali Dal that well-earned the position of being the voice of this region that has strategically been sensitive for the Indian sub-continent in history.

Interestingly, after some years’ gap, this party yesterday made a valiant bid to start its journey back to its roots from which it had digressed.

It is the same phraseology, idiom and philosophy that used to characterize these documents of the party till 1997, although the party had earlier deviated from its path in February 1996 at its 75^th anniversary conference at Moga at which this shift, although noted, was not given much importance. Subsequently this repositioning skewed in favour of Punjabiat rather than the Panth came to be known as the Moga Declaration.

This manifesto for the Lok Sabha election released at Jalandhar on May 18 by its president Sukhbir Singh Badal, who has been commanding the party since 2008 after having been handed over the reign by his father Parkash Singh Badal, reflects the continuity with the resolution adopted at the core committee of the party at its meeting in Chandigarh on March 22 last that declared, “The party will continue to put principles above politics and it will never deviate from its historic role as a champion of the interests of Khalsa Panth, all minorities as well as all Punjabis. At the same time, we will continue to devote all our energies towards preserving the atmosphere of peace and communal harmony on the basis of the vision of Sarbat da Bhala. As the sole representatives of the Sikhs and of all Punjabis, the party will continue its fight for more powers and genuine autonomy to the States. We have never compromised on these interests nor will let its vigil down on these in future”.

The manifesto talks of transfer of Chandigarh, Punjabi speaking territories in neighbouring states, river waters and federalism, all the issues that were dear to the Akali Dal but virtually forgotten after 1997 when in power.

Shiromani Akali Dal has its glorious legacy and the present generation of leadership must understand that this very legacy has turned into liability in recent years.

In the process, the leadership has lost its credibility.

Although well-articulated, the Ailan-Nama (Manifesto) 2024 has certain issues.

Mr Badal remained chief minister for the record five times with three full terms. He was the party patron when he died.

The problem is that the history is always brutal.

At the time he passed away, the party had been reduced to just three seats in the Assembly and not only that, he himself faced humiliating defeat at the end of his long inning starting with 1957 elections. He had lost the Assembly election only once earlier.

Not only that.

His name had surfaced in a  case, not directly of the sacrilege of Guru Granth Sahib but in a case related to that incident. This is the Bargari narrative that happened in 2015 when Mr. Badal was the chief minister with his son Sukhbir as his deputy in the government.

It is alright for a son to list achievement of his father but here the issue is that of the head of a party with glorious role in history and not construction of some highways and complexes.

It has been overlooked that the fact is that the party touched the lowest ebb despite these “achievements”.

The issue is why the people should trust the party with getting justice on the issues listed in this document going by dismal record of the party on these very issues since 1997?

The main issue of restoration of leadership’s credibility, not of the party per se. Distinction has to be made between the party and its leadership.

This manifesto is silent on this sensitive issue.

At the press conference, Sukhbir Singh Badal, interestingly, sharply attacked polarising statements made during the present campaign without naming Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It is a welcome step.

However, can the leadership assure in the backdrop of these comments that the Akali Dal would not re-enter into alliance with the BJP after June 4 next in case the situation arises?

The party made a promise to take up the issue of exchange of land of Kartarpur Sahib shrine in Pakistan just across Ravi river. This must be appreciated.

However, the fact is that Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa as MP had taken up this issue with Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh citing the example of Hussainiwala martyrs memorial site that is on the other side of river Satluj and had become part of Pakistan.

The manifesto promises to undo all accords and awards on river waters dispute. However, the same was done in 2004 when Capt. Amarinder Singh headed the Congress government in Punjab earning his the moniker of “Panian Da Raakha” (Protector of river waters).

In this con text in general, this return to roots reflected in the manifesto is appreciable but the leadership has to address the necessary condition of restoration of credibility and inner party democracy.