CHANDIGARH: Describing the formation of Sikh state as inalienable right of the community, the Dal Khalsa lambasted Parkash Singh Badal for ridiculing the concept and goal of Khalsa-raj. 

The controversy was triggered in the wake of Jathedar Akal Takht Gaini Joginder Singh Vedanti, who while addressing a public meet at New York justified the demand for Sikh Homeland.

Party general secretary Kanwarpal Singh said after a long time, Jathedar Akal Takht has articulated the collective aspiration of the Sikh people.

He said "who is Badal to question Vedanti for airing pro-Sikh state views". Kanwarpal said the statement of Vedanti carries a lot of weight as in the capacity of the Jathedar of the Akal Takht, he represents the collective will of the community.

Dal Khalsa leader took Badal to task for undermining the concept of Khalsa Raj for the sake of enjoying pelf and privileges within the existing system. “The manner in which Badal has scolded Vedanti for his remarks it tantamount to insulting the person holding the highest temporal post of the Sikhs”, he added.

"We acknowledge that Sikhs and Punjabis are peace-loving people. They need peace for overall development. But at the same time, aspiring for self-rule is the birth right of every community and it should not be negated like Badal has attempted to do", he pointed out.

However, he expresses his apprehension that undue Akali pressure might force Jathedar Vedanti to withdraw or amend his statement. "We know well that Jathedar has a tendency to succumb to pressure", he observed.