After committee nomination, Daduwal reignites debate on Sikh leadership

Sikh preacher Baljit Singh Daduwal on Monday responded to his critics following his nomination as a member of the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (HSGMC). Addressing reporters in Kalanwali, Daduwal questioned the credibility of those who, according to him, have contributed little to the Sikh community’s struggles but now position themselves as leaders.

Without naming anyone, he said, “She came to ask for fire and ended up claiming the house,” invoking a Punjabi proverb to criticise political rivals who, he claimed, have taken undue credit. “They won elections and now think they are the only voices of the community,” he said, asserting that many such figures have no real record of activism or sacrifice.

Daduwal’s comments came after 24 committee members supported his nomination to the HSGMC. He expressed gratitude to senior political leaders, including Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, for their support in facilitating his selection.

He urged the committee to now set aside differences and focus on managing gurdwara affairs with unity and purpose. “Winning elections isn’t everything,” Daduwal said, adding, “Even some Prime Ministers and Chief Ministers have held office despite losing elections.”

He also criticised committee members who, in his view, continue to align with the Badal family — a group he again connected to the sacrilege incidents involving Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. He accused some individuals of engaging in superficial activism by issuing statements and erecting banners, claiming they had no real link to community struggles.

Notably, Daduwal lost the 2022 HSGMC election in Kalanwali to 28-year-old local candidate Binder Singh Khalsa. Khalsa secured 4,914 votes to Daduwal’s 3,147 — a margin of 1,767 votes.

His defeat followed a controversial episode in 2021 when Daduwal faced a social boycott in his village during the farmers’ protest after he invited BJP-JJP leaders to the area. Though the boycott was later lifted, it had created significant local friction.

Haryana Tribune