Milpitas(California)/Chandigarh/New Delhi-North American Punjabi Association (NAPA) Executive Director Satnam Singh Chahal said the Sikh community and Punjab need a new political culture based on accountability rather than endless blame.“Punjabis and Sikhs have every democratic right to raise their concerns with the Government of India and demand justice, constitutional rights and resolution of long-standing issues. But we must also have the courage to examine ourselves. Not every problem in Punjab is created in Delhi, and not every failure can be blamed on the Centre,” Chahal said.
He said Sikh leadership must begin presenting measurable programmes instead of repeatedly relying on political slogans. “If our leaders have been telling the community for decades that the solution is just around the corner, they must now explain what has actually been achieved. The community deserves a clear roadmap, specific responsibilities and measurable results.”
Chahal said the global Punjabi and Sikh diaspora is increasingly demanding accountability from all sides. “The diaspora will continue to stand with Punjab and support legitimate causes, but it also has the right to ask difficult questions. We cannot continue asking the next generation to inherit the same unresolved problems and the same political arguments.”
“The Centre should be held accountable for what the Centre controls. The Punjab government should be held accountable for what Punjab controls. Sikh institutions must answer for their own responsibilities, and political parties must answer for their promises. Accountability cannot be selective,” Chahal added.
He said the time has come for Sikh leadership to move beyond slogans. “Our community needs unity, institutional reform, transparency, education, economic opportunity and a long-term strategy. The future of Punjab cannot be built entirely around the politics of grievance. We must have the courage to fight for our rights while also putting our own house in order.”