Punjab leadership rejects charges of politicization, highlights PM Modi’s national recognition of Sahibzadas’ sacrifice
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has hit back at opposition parties over what it describes as “unfortunate” politicization of Veer Bal Diwas, asserting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decision to observe the day at the national level represents a meaningful tribute to the Sahibzadas and their legacy of sacrifice.
Speaking at a press conference at the party’s state headquarters on Tuesday, BJP Punjab Vice President Bikram Singh Cheema underscored the historical significance of the day while defending against criticism from the Congress and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). “Patriotism and the spirit of sacrifice are deeply ingrained in the DNA of Sikhs,” Cheema said, adding that opposition parties are failing to recognize the sanctity of honouring martyrs.
Cheema also invoked the memory of the 1984 Sikh riots, noting that “Punjabis have not forgotten 1984, how tanks and cannons were used to attack the Sri Harmandir Sahib complex.” His remarks appeared to suggest that opposition criticism of the Modi government’s Sikh outreach undermines efforts to truly honour the community’s historical suffering.
First National Recognition
BJP’s National Executive Member Manjit Singh Rai emphasized that Veer Bal Diwas represents a historic milestone. “There have been Sikh Prime Ministers in the country and several Sikh Chief Ministers in the state, but no one had announced a special day to honor the unparalleled sacrifice of the Sahibzadas of Guru Gobind Singh Ji,” Rai said, positioning Modi’s initiative as unprecedented recognition.
The Sahibzadas—the four sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji—are venerated in Sikh history for their martyrdom. Veer Bal Diwas, observed on December 26, commemorates their sacrifice and has now been designated as a national observance.
Nationwide and Multi-Lingual Programs
General Secretary Dayal Das Sodhi announced an extensive schedule of commemorative events, with the BJP organizing programs across Punjab from December 24 to 26. The celebrations will extend nationwide, with coordinated events being held simultaneously in 768 districts across India.
To ensure broad accessibility, programs will be conducted in multiple regional languages including Bengali, Telugu, Kannada, Tamil, Marathi, Gujarati, and Assamese, alongside Punjabi. In Punjab specifically, the observance will include kirtan recitations and spiritual readings in gurdwaras at block and district levels, complemented by seminars, lectures, exhibitions, and awareness programs in educational institutions.
“The message of martyrdom will be conveyed to the people in the mother tongue of every state,” Sodhi explained, highlighting the inclusive approach of the national commemoration.
Political Context
The BJP’s defence comes amid ongoing political disagreements over how to frame Sikh historical experiences and governance approaches toward the community. Opposition parties have questioned the timing and framing of the initiative, while the BJP maintains that partisan concerns are inappropriate when honouring sacrifice and martyrdom.
Media Secretary Vineet Joshi also attended Tuesday’s press conference, underscoring the party’s commitment to the observance.
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