Shiromani Akali Dal has always adopted a moderate ‘panthic’ course and always distanced itself from radicalism and extremism.
That is the reason that during the dark days of terrorism in Punjab, the Akali Dal suffered as many casualties as any other party despite being a panthic party itself, but refusing to compromise on its moderate principles.
The party lived up to its reputation and principles once again by fielding its candidate against the radical preacher Amritpal Singh from the Khadoor Sahib parliamentary constituency.
Amritpal, who is jailed in Dibrugarh Assam under the stringent National Security Act (NSA) announced that he will be contesting from Khadoor Sahib as an independent candidate.
It was earlier believed that he had sent feelers to the Shiromani Akali Dal-Badal that he would contest only if the party (SAD-B) did not field a candidate against him. After his mother announced that he will be contesting, there was suspense about whether the SAD-B would field a candidate against him.
That would have been a politically unwise decision on the part of the Akalis, which of course it did not seem to have any intention to do. By fielding Valtoha, the SAD-B has taken the wind out of Amritpal’s sails.
Valtoha was alleged to be involved in the separatist movement and was also jailed under the NSA during those days. He has been proudly claiming that he was among the first Punjabis booked and jailed under the NSA.
Sukhbir Badal has actually played a masterstroke in naming Valtoha from Khadoor Sahib, an overwhelmingly panthic parliamentary constituency. This way he has taken the initiative to prevent the moderate panthic space from being grabbed and hijacked by radical extremists like Amritpal.
Punjab has never been swept by extremist ideologies. Even before the partition, despite being a Muslim-majority province the Muslim League could never win the provincial elections here. It was the secular Unionist Party, which won elections in Punjab province prior to the partition.
Post partition also, Punjab has always adopted a moderate political path. Even during the dark days of terrorism, Punjabis did not succumb to the temptations of radical extremism.
It is good that Amritpal has opted for electoral politics. In fact, he has not advocated any armed struggle either although his tone has been defiant and rebellious. It is equally good that the Akali Dal has decided to field a strong candidate, whose panthic credentials are unparalleled, against him.
Khadoor Sahib will indeed be a battle worth watching in Punjab this time.
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