AMRITSAR SAHIB—A decision by Akali Dal (B) to invite Amitabh Bachchan and Hema Malini to inaugurate the Khalsa Heritage Complex has sparked anger amongst Sikhs. Many organizations have already taken the matter to the Jathedar of Akal Takht to request immediate action. Amitabh Bachchan is widely known to be a co-conspirator in the 1984 Government organized genocide in which his role as an instigator is being investigated by Sikh and Human Rights Organizations.
In November 1984, mobs in Delhi and other cities in India went on a rampage killing thousands of innocent Sikhs. The operation was supported by many of India’s senior politicians, including Sajjan Kumar and Jagdish Tytler. If the Akali Dal, led by Parkash and Sukhbir Badal, goes ahead with its plans to invite Mr. Bachchan as a special guest to inaugurate the Khalsa Heritage Complex, it will be like pouring salt on the wounds of 1984 genocide victims.
Such a move is also against the Sikh code of conduct according to which, Punj Pyare are given the highest authority. Punj Pyare have the right to initiate new comers into the Khalsa fold, hence it makes sense that the inauguration of the Khalsa Heritage Complex is done by five practicing Sikhs and not a Bollywood superstar responsible for Sikh massacre.
Amitabh’s Role Being Questioned in 1984 Genocide
Some may be perplexed over recently leveled accusations against Amitabh Bachchan, but to many there is little doubt regarding his involvement in anti-Sikh Government organized pogroms. His closeness to Indira Gandhi’s son Rajiv Gandhi certainly does not help his case. Amitabh Bachchan was also a supporter of Indira Gandhi and it is in fact his comments made on public television that are now causing him trouble.
After the execution of Indira Gandhi, Amitabh Bachchan appeared on Indian television show Doordarshan and issued a very provocative statement saying that the bloodstains of Indira’s killers must reach their houses. He further said that the Sikhs had not only assassinated Indira Gandhi, they had killed the mother of the nation.
A Sikh from Delhi discusses the role of Amitabh Bachchan in instigating mobs during the 1984 genocide
Akali Dal Goes Bollywood, Shuns Shame and Principles
Apart from Amitabh Bachchan’s involvement in anti-Sikh pogroms, the invitation to a Bollywood superstar hints at how the Akali Dal has gone astray from Gurmat. It is not the first time that a Bollywood actor has been given such respect by Akali Dal—on November 1st, the Akalis were involved in a similar glamour stunt when they invited Shah Rukh Khan, another Bollywood hero, to perform at the 2nd World Kabaddi Cup.
Though modern day Kabaddi does not have much to do with Sikhi, the date of the tournament coincided with the anniversary of when riots started in New Delhi after Indira’s execution. Both Parkash and Sukhbir Badal angered Sikh organizations for celebrating the day with singing and dancing with Shah Rukh Khan and half naked girls. In the past, the late wife of Parkash Badal, Surinder Badal, had also been criticized for organizing similar functions where dancers appeared wearing illicit clothing.
Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal with Shah Rukh Khan, celebrating the 27th Anniversary of the 1984 Genocide
The “Re-Inauguration” of the Khalsa Heritage Museum
Besides the current series of controversies relating to the inauguration of the Khalsa Heritage Museum, another issue has been brought up by former Chief Minister Capt. Amarinder Singh—he has blamed the Badal Dal for misusing the Khalsa Heritage Complex to gain votes of Sikhs. He said that the place which the Badals are going to inaugurate had been inaugurated already on April 14, 2006.
According to Amarinder Singh, the move to inaugurate the 3 billion rupee Khalsa Heritage Complex is being done to launch the Akali Dal’s election campaign in Anandpur Sahib. He questioned the rationality of inviting film stars, singers and dancers to purely religious programs.
