If you have doubts, talk to us: Damdami Taksal chief to Sikhs

Jalandhar: Damdami Taksal chief Baba Harnam Singh Dhumma has asked people having doubts about his decision to extend support to the BJP-led Mahayuti in the Maharashtra assembly elections to visit him and discuss the matter. “I will remove all their misconceptions,” said Dhumma.In a video statement, recorded in presence of Taksal followers, Dhumma said he took up the issues of the Maharashtra’s Sikhs and other larger issues of the community, including that of the Sikh prisoners, with the alliance. He said the idea was to get these issues resolved.He also highlighted what Mahayuti govt had done for the Sikhs of Maharashtra, which he had mentioned in his statement when he announced support for the BJP-led alliance at Mumbai on Nov 18.He said after talks with Maharashtra deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis a Sikh member was appointed to the office of the minority commissioner, govt of Maharashtra, and an 11-member Maharashtra State Punjabi Sahitya Academy just ahead of the announcement of the elections.“Some mischievous elements are deliberately indulging in cheap and misleading statements and several others are falling prey to their propaganda. We have always respected all the Sikh groups and organisations which work for the Panth and we also assure that we shall never oppose any Sikhs or groups who work for the Panth,” he said.“If any Sikh has any apprehension or doubt, come to us and have a discussion. We shall remove all the misconceptions. Need is to unite for resolving the issues concerning the Sikhs,” he said.

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Baba Harnam Singh Dhumma, the head of Damdami Taksal, has announced his support for the BJP-led alliance in the Maharashtra elections, putting the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) in a difficult position. The SAD, led by Sukhbir Singh Badal, has accused the BJP of interfering in Sikh institutions.

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