Simranjit Singh Mann Raises Sikh Identity, Bandi Singhs, SGPC Polls and Punjab Issues in Speech

August 28, 2026

Chandigarh: Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) president Simranjit Singh Mann, in his speech today, raised several issues concerning Sikh identity, political representation, the release of Bandi Singhs, SGPC elections and Punjab’s economic concerns.

Recalls Sant Bhindranwale’s Alleged Last Announcement

Mann referred to an alleged last announcement associated with Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, claiming that it stated that the foundation of Khalistan would be laid if the Indian Army attacked Sri Darbar Sahib. He questioned why political groups that associate themselves with Bhindranwale’s legacy are now moving away from this position.

Calls on Sikhs to Use Vote as Political Power

Referring to the masand system during the time of the 10th Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, Mann said that people can use the democratic process and their vote to remove those who, according to him, mislead the public and fail to protect their rights.

He urged Sikh voters to understand the importance of their political strength and said that while Sikhs speak about their rights and identity, they often do not vote for the political force that claims to represent their interests.

Raises Issue of Bandi Singhs and Parole

Mann also raised the issue of Sikh prisoners who, he claimed, have remained in jail for decades, with some having completed their sentences but still facing difficulties in securing release or parole.

Referring to Bhai Jagtar Singh Hawara and other Bandi Singhs, Mann compared their situation with the repeated parole granted to Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh and termed the policy discriminatory.

Questions Imposition of National Symbols

Mann also spoke about Vande Mataram and national symbols, saying that religious or national symbols should not be forcibly imposed on minorities. He stressed the need to respect the distinct religious and national identity of Sikhs in the context of Vande Mataram and the Tricolour.

Demands SGPC Elections

Mann questioned the delay in holding Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) elections, claiming that the polls have not been held for nearly 15 years. He demanded that elections to the Sikh religious body be conducted on time through a democratic process.

Seeks Opening of Kartarpur Corridor, Wagah Border

The SAD (Amritsar) leader also demanded easier movement and trade through the Kartarpur Corridor and the Wagah border. He questioned why these routes connected to Punjab remain closed or restricted when trade and movement are possible through other international borders.

Raises Concern Over Punjab Sugar Mills

Mann expressed concern over the closure or weakening of sugar mills in Punjab. He demanded that the government explain why the mills were shut down, which policies were responsible and what steps were being taken to protect the interests of sugarcane farmers.

Raises Employees’ Pension, DA and Pending Dues

He also criticised the delay in providing pensions, dearness allowance (DA) and other financial dues to government employees. Mann said it was unfortunate that employees had to repeatedly stage protests to seek what he described as their legitimate rights.

Questions Policies of Centre and Punjab Governments

Mann also raised questions over the policies of both the Centre and Punjab governments, linking them to various issues concerning Sikh rights, Punjab’s interests and the concerns of farmers and government employees.