Chandigarh-Yuva Akali Dal president and Shiromani Akali Dal core committee member Sarabjit Singh Jhinjar today strongly condemned the Waqf Amendment Bill, calling it another attempt by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government to systematically undermine the rights of minorities in India.
In a statement issued here, he said, “BJP is bent on crushing the autonomy of minority institutions, whether they belong to Sikhs, Muslims or other minority communities. The Narendra Modi-led government is pushing one anti-minority agenda after another and this bill is a clear reflection of that mindset.”
Criticizing the BJP’s approach in Parliament, he said, “This government is imposing repressive laws in Parliament with its overwhelming majority without consulting any stakeholders or allowing proper debate. Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s open threats in the Lok Sabha expose the BJP’s authoritarian mentality. Their sole aim is to silence any opposition and impose their will on the people.”
Zinger also expressed concern about the bill’s impact on Sikh institutions, saying, “This is not just about waqf properties; it is about the BJP’s larger agenda of interfering in the affairs of all minority communities. Sikhs have already seen their institutions attacked by the BJP, and this bill sets a dangerous precedent. The Shiromani Akali Dal will never allow such interference and to protect our religious and cultural heritage. will fight.”
Zinger praised Akali Dal 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 response to BJP’s anti-minority agenda. She said that this bill is not just about governance, but about controlling minority institutions. Her speech reflects the pain and anger of millions of people who are seeing their rights eroded.” The Akali Dal has always been at the forefront of protecting Sikh interests and their stance in Parliament is a testament to that legacy.”
Appealing to all democratic forces to unite against the bill, Zinger said, “This is not just a communal issue – 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 voice is heard. We will never allow the BJP to crush our identity and institutions.”
Pointing to the difference in political views within the leadership, he said, “On the one hand, Shiromani Akali Dal MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal is fighting to protect the rights of minorities and protect religious institutions from interference. On the other hand, leaders like Manpreet Singh Ayali ji are raising it in the Punjab Assembly and promoting direct political interference in Sikh institutions. Punjabis need to know the true face of our leaders. Our focus should be on security, not political interference.”
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