By Balbir Singh Sooch, Advocate, Ludhiana
To my mind, the right thinking smaller groups, regional parties and individuals in the name of secularism or national interest on the very beneficial issue of Nuclear-deal, have a bright chance to compromise with the United Progressive Alliance or enter into a new alliance or emerge in the same for the coming Lok Sabha Elections likely to be held on time in 2009 after solving the remaining unsolved issues remained pending due to the confrontation and opposition of Lefts for the last four years.
The true Sikh leadership and Sikhs belonging to the fifth major Religion of the World are not communal at all and admittedly the teachings of Sikh Religion are very rich in human values and beliefs comparatively and it is also immensely clear from the greetings to Sikhs by the most politically powerful man of the World as President of America:
“President Bush has sent warm greetings recently to Sikhs across America and worldwide on the 300th anniversary of the Sikh Scriptures, Guru Granth Sahib as the community is gearing towards major celebration of this event in October this year (October 7, 2008). Sikhs will be celebrating this auspicious occasion in their respective congregations all over the world. The Sikh Council on Religion and Education (SCORE) representative, Sirmukh Singh Manku, received this message from the White House and operative part is as under:
“I send greetings to those celebrating the 300th anniversary of the Sikh Scriptures”, said President Bush in a message released from the White House.
Emphasizing the noble concepts of the Sikh faith, President Bush said, “Sikhism teaches its followers to respect the equality of all people, defend the weak, lead lives of compassion and generosity, and work hard.”
“By putting their beliefs and values into action, Sikhs honor God and provide comfort to countless individuals.” He added.
He praised the Sikh community by saying, “I applaud the Sikh community for your respect for human life and your strong devotion to family and faith. With this message of compassion, humility, and love, Sikhs make the world a more peaceful and hopeful place.”
President Bush further added, “Laura and I send our best wishes on this special occasion.”
Some of the Akalis and others were forced to follow in violation the spirit of Sikh Religion due to numerous compelling odd reasons in India and elsewhere. But under the changed circumstances, once again they should trust and test congress and the parties supporting the N-deal and join the new alliance likely to become reality in view of the compromise seems to be in sight on the N-deal.
The Nuclear-deal as an historical step would be remembered forever mainly associating with the name of Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh and his open supporters on the issue in the history, keeping in mind the magnitude of their sincerity for the cause i.e. uplifting of downtrodden, sustainable development, peace and justice for all in India.
As there is a sea change or change of heart in the approach of Communist Party of India-Marxists patriarch and former West Bengal Chief Minister, Jyoti Basu who rightly told the Red Brigade that the Left has already made its opposition to the nuclear deal clear by withdrawing its support to the government and so now there was no need to vote against the government as reported.
And similarly, it seems the real Akalis and the other smaller groups/parties etc matter for the purpose should have already made up their mind and opinion to play a positive role i.e. not to vote against the government for the cause and that’s why government of India is in no doubt to successfully pass the test of motion of confidence on July 22, 2008 in the Parliament under the gifted leadership of Dr. Manmohan Singh without facing any crisis and thus the government would complete its full tenure of five years.
