Punjab CM's Cryptic Social Media Post Triggers Political Controversy
In a recent development that has stirred political waters in Punjab, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann launched a veiled attack on Gurinder Singh Dhillon, the head of Radha Soami Satsang Beas. This came a day after Dhillon visited Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Bikram Singh Majithia in Nabha jail and declared the charges against him as "false and baseless." Without directly naming Dhillon, Mann took to X to express his concerns, writing a cryptic message that has since drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties.
Mann's 'God Save the Courts' Remark and Its Implications
Bhagwant Mann's post on X highlighted a provocative stance, stating, "God only can save the courts, when visitors (to an undertrial) become a judge." He further referred to Dhillon as a "visitor to an under-trial acting as a judge," implying that the spiritual leader's comments on legal matters were overstepping boundaries. This remark was made in response to Dhillon's meeting with Majithia, which marked his second visit in just over four months. During the encounter, Dhillon discussed "certain matters with him like friends do" and asserted that the cases against Majithia were fabricated, though he refrained from elaborating publicly to maintain his dignity.
Supreme Court Grants Bail to Majithia Amidst Political Tensions
Interestingly, just an hour after Dhillon's jail visit, the Supreme Court granted bail to Bikram Singh Majithia, facilitating his release after seven months of incarceration. Majithia had been arrested by the Vigilance Bureau in June last year in connection with a disproportionate assets case, allegedly involving the laundering of nearly Rs 540 crore of drug money. As a close relative of the Dera chief, Majithia's legal battles and Dhillon's involvement are under close scrutiny, given the significant influence the Radha Soami Satsang Beas holds among voters in Punjab due to its large follower base.
Opposition Parties Slam Mann's Post as Remarkable and Distressing
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Shiromani Akali Dal were quick to criticize Bhagwant Mann's social media post, labeling it as remarkable and distressing. BJP spokesperson Pritpal Singh Baliawal took to Instagram to question Mann's approach, stating, "Excess of everything is bad. Now you have even started schooling the spiritual leaders? Baba Gurinder Singh Ji is the nucleus of faith for millions of people, but who will explain this to you now?" Similarly, Akali Dal chief spokesperson Arshdeep Singh Kaler expressed concern, arguing that Mann's post "directly challenges the Constitution of India and our sacred institutions."
Political Ramifications and Broader Context in Punjab
This incident adds to the ongoing political friction in Punjab, where Bhagwant Mann's Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government has been actively engaging in legislative standoffs and policy maneuvers. The veiled attack on a spiritual leader underscores the delicate balance between politics and religion in the state, especially with upcoming elections and the influence of deras on voter sentiment. As the controversy unfolds, it highlights the tensions between state governance, judicial processes, and spiritual authority, making it a pivotal moment in Punjab's political landscape.
