CHANDIGARH: Youth Akali Dal President and Shiromani Akali Dal Core Committee Member Sarabjit Singh Jhinjer today strongly condemned the Waqf Act Amendment Bill, calling it yet another attempt by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government to systematically weaken minority rights in India.
In a statement released here, he said, "The BJP is hell-bent on crushing the autonomy of minority institutions, whether they belong to Sikhs, Muslims, or other minority communities. The Narendra Modi-led government has been pushing one anti-minority agenda after another, and this bill is a clear reflection of that mindset."
He further criticized the BJP’s approach in Parliament, stating, "This government is bulldozing repressive laws through Parliament with its brute majority, without consulting stakeholders or allowing proper debate. Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s open threats in the Lok Sabha expose the BJP’s authoritarian mindset. Their only goal is to silence any opposition and impose their will on the people."
Jhinjer also raised concerns about the implications of the bill for Sikh institutions, warning, "This is not just about the Waqf properties; this is about the BJP's larger agenda to interfere in the affairs of all minority communities. Sikhs have already seen their institutions come under attack by the BJP, and this bill sets a dangerous precedent. The Shiromani Akali Dal will never allow such interference and will fight to protect our religious and cultural heritage."
Jhinjer lauded SAD MP Sardarni Harsimrat Kaur Badal for taking a bold stand against the bill in the Lok Sabha, saying, "Harsimrat Kaur Badal ji gave a fearless and powerful rebuttal to the BJP’s anti-minority agenda. She exposed how this bill is not just about governance but about controlling minority institutions. Her speech reflected the pain and anger of millions who see their rights being eroded. The Akali Dal has always been at the forefront of protecting Sikh interests, and her stand in Parliament is a testament to that legacy."
Jhinjer urged all democratic forces to unite against the bill, declaring, "This is not just an issue for one community—it is a direct attack on the fundamental rights of religious and cultural institutions in India. The Shiromani Akali Dal will fight this battle at every level and ensure that our voices are heard. We will never allow the BJP to trample upon our identity and institutions."
He further pointed out the stark contrast in political approaches within the leadership, stating, "On one hand, SAD MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal is fighting to protect minority rights and safeguard religious institutions from interference. On the other, leaders like Manpreet Singh Ayali ji is pushing direct political meddling into Sikh institutions by raising it in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha. This contradiction must be acknowledged. Punjabis needs to know the real face of our leaders. Our focus should be on protection, not political interference."