Longowal: Shiromani Akali Dal (Punar Surjit) president Giani Harpreet Singh on Wednesday said Punjab was facing serious troubles and needed “politics of principles” with a Panthic and pro Punjab approach instead of politics centred on power.Speaking at a programme marking Sant Harchand Singh Longowal’s death anniversary, Harpreet Singh accused the Badal family of using the Panth for political gains and then weakening Panthic principles.He said Bandi Singhs remained in jail for decades despite completing their sentences, SGPC elections had been pending for years and no effective voices were being raised on serious issues facing Punjab.He said people looked to the Akali Dal during difficult times, but the present SAD (Badal) was not playing that role. “Those forces who gained power in the name of the Panth themselves denigrated the Panth and Panthic principles. For them, only the family had turned out to be the Panth,” he said.Harpreet Singh said Sant Harchand Singh Longowal had sacrificed his life for peace and communal harmony and his legacy remained an important part of Punjab’s history.Former minister Parminder Singh Dhindsa said Longowal’s legacy taught the importance of principles and fighting for Punjab’s rights. He said the Akali Dal should put personal interests aside and become the voice of the people.Former MP Prem Singh Chandumajra called for unity among Panthic forces, while former SGPC president Gobind Singh Longowal said the best tribute to Sant Longowal would be working for the Panth and Punjab.
