Chandigarh: Differences among Nihang Singh organisations in Punjab have spilled into the public domain, with sharp statements being exchanged on social media following Nihang leader Harjeet Singh Rasoolpur’s open support for the RSS and the BJP.
The controversy intensified after Rasoolpur announced that he would align with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and the Bharatiya Janata Party. The move has drawn opposition from several Nihang groups.
Chakravarti Singh Kuldeep Singh Khalsa of Ludhiana, associated with the jathebandi led by Raja Raj Singh and Jathedar Kulwinder Singh Chaunte Wale, publicly criticised Rasoolpur. He also raised several Punjab-related issues while objecting to what he described as Rasoolpur’s participation in idol worship and sitting at the feet of Sanatani saints.
In a sharp remark, Kuldeep Khalsa said that following political directions blindly could lead to compromising core principles. Without naming the BJP directly, he questioned whether leaders would accept any demand placed before them, suggesting that ideological lines should not be crossed.
Responding to the criticism, Rasoolpur said that certain “hardliners” were uncomfortable with the promotion of Sanatan values and Hindu-Sikh unity. He also questioned why his critics had not spoken earlier on other issues, alleging selective outrage.
The public exchange has highlighted growing divisions within Nihang organisations over political alignments and ideological positioning in Punjab.
