In a significant political development, senior BJP leader and Maharashtra Minister Girish Mahajan attended the 42nd anniversary of Operation Bluestar at the Damdami Taksal headquarters in Mehta Chowk, Amritsar. This was the first time the party officially sent a representative to the June 6 observance.
The event, organised by the influential Sikh seminary headed by Harnam Singh Khalsa ‘Dhuma’, was also attended by SGPC chief Harjinder Singh Dhami and leaders of the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC). Mahajan’s presence on the Taksal stage has been widely interpreted by political observers as a notable shift in Punjab’s ‘Panthic’ (Sikh religious) political landscape.
Analysts view the move as part of the BJP’s broader strategy to establish an independent foothold in Punjab, especially after its split with the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD). By participating in an event deeply rooted in Sikh history, the party appears to be signalling its intent to engage directly with core Sikh strata.
The Taksal is a 320-year-old orthodox Sikh seminary founded by Guru Gobind Singh in 1706. Once led by Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, it holds considerable influence among Sikh population. The BJP’s outreach to such a central Sikh institution indicates a deliberate attempt to bridge long-standing political and ideological divides.
However, the development has also raised questions within Sikh circles. The Taksal has historically revered Bhindranwale, a figure whose legacy remains contentious, particularly in relation to the BJP’s ideological positioning.
Observers note that the Taksal currently finds itself balancing between reverence for its historical leadership and an evolving relationship with the BJP-led Centre, an alignment that some view as contradictory.
The growing proximity between the Taksal and the BJP is not seen as a sudden occurrence. Harnam Singh had extended support to the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance during the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections. In May, the Taksal also participated in the Maharashtra government’s commemoration of the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib, attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Political analyst Prof Kuldip Singh attributed the growing closeness between the two to a shift in ideological compatibility under the current Taksal leadership.
“The ideological orientation of the Taksal has evolved with its leadership. While it differed under Bhindranwale, the present leadership under Harnam Singh reflects a different approach, evident from participation in the BJP-led events and sharing platforms with leaders like Amit Shah and Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis,” he observed.
He also pointed out that references to Sikhs as ‘Sanatani Sikhs’ during the event drew criticism from various Sikh organisations.
Experts also see the move as part of the BJP’s attempt to address its limited appeal among the Sikh peasantry, particularly in rural Punjab.
Prof Kuldip Singh pointed out that the party is looking to mitigate resentment stemming from the now-repealed farm laws and strengthen its presence in rural areas. “The BJP’s outreach is not limited to Taksal alone, it has also been engaging with several deras and OBC segments to expand its support base,” he said.
‘Reciprocal gesture’, says BJP
BJP spokesperson Prof Sarchand Singh described Mahajan’s visit as a “reciprocal gesture,” noting that the Taksal had earlier supported the BJP in Maharashtra. “Mahajan represented the Maharashtra Chief Minister at the event. There is a misconception that the Taksal advocates separatism. Its support to the BJP in Maharashtra reflects a broader engagement,” he said.
‘No formal political alliance’
Despite the visible bonhomie, sources within the Taksal indicated that no formal political alliance has been established. A Taksal disciple, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the seminary’s support remains conditional on key Sikh demands, including release of Sikh political prisoners, justice for Operation Bluestar and the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, repeal of Article 25, which classifies Sikhs under the broader Hindu fold.
