New Budha Dal Jathedar Baba Balbir Singh (right) next to the aging Santa Singh (Photo : Courtesy of AmritWorld)
Patiala, Punjab (KP) – Just two weeks after the bloody incident took place at a dera operated by the Budha Dal, Baba Balbir Singh was chosen as the 14th Jathedar of Budha Dal by the controversial Santa Singh. This announcement came at the bhog ceremony of the four family members of Baba Balbir Singh who were shot dead by the rival faction of Budha Dal.
The clashes that took place two weeks ago are believed to be inspired by the lure of becoming Jathedar. Budha Dal currently has possession of over twenty five Gurdwaras and becoming Jathedar of the Dal would mean control not only of the management of the Gurdwara but over the finances as well. In addition, Baba Udhay Singh and Baba Surjeet Singh have held grudges against Baba Balbir Singh for a long time.
The main accused are still at large and local authorities took no chance as police officials were deployed in large numbers at the bhog gathering. The program was held at the Budha Dal Public School grounds and was attended by Nihang Dal chiefs and many other eminent personalities. All the present Nihang Dals hailed the decision of Santa Singh.
Jathedars of all five Takhats were also present at the ceremony along with SGPC President Avtar Makkar, former Presidents Kirpal Singh Badungar and Jagir Kaur. Several Sant Samaj members, along with leaders of Akali Dal factions also attended the ceremony and presented siropas to Baba Balbir Singh.
It is expected that with the appointment of Baba Balbir Singh as the successor of Baba Santa Singh, the Budha Dal could arise to become a Panthic organization. Panthic organizations had distanced themselves from the Dal after Santa Singh carried out the rebuilding of Akal Takhat Sahib on orders from Indira Gandhi. This incident also resulted in Baba Balbir Singh distancing himself from the mainstream Buddha Dal however both factions once again joined hands afterwards.
