Punjab’s Chief Minister, Bhagwant Singh Mann, shed light on a historical misstep of the Majithia clan, exposing a stain on their past. He expressed that the greed of Shiromani Akali Dal’s leader Bikramjit Singh Majithia’s ancestors led to Sikhs being unjustly labeled as ‘horse thieves,’ a betrayal unforgivable in the eyes of the community.
During a gathering at the Municipal Bhawan in Sector 35, the Chief Minister recounted a significant event from 1957 when a delegation, led by Jawaharlal Nehru, visited Arab countries. Among them was Surjit Singh Majithia, an ancestor of Bikramjit Singh Majithia, serving as the Deputy Defence Minister. The delegation received Arabian-breed horses as gifts from an Arab king to be sent for training at an army center in Meerut. However, these horses mysteriously disappeared, causing the king to confront Nehru and resulting in Surjit Singh Majithia’s immediate dismissal.
This incident, according to Bhagwant Singh Mann, stained the reputation of Sikhs globally, overshadowing their known valor and patriotism. He lamented that even today, Sikhs visiting the Meerut training center are unfairly associated with horse theft due to this historical misdeed. Mann pointed out that the Majithia family’s alignment with the British, earning them the title of ‘Sir,’ showcased their betrayal of the patriots who fought for the country’s independence.
Highlighting their ties with General Dyer, infamous for the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, Mann criticized the family’s hosting of a dinner for him after the tragic incident. He emphasized their anti-national stance, including arranging forgiveness for Dyer at the Golden Temple. Mann firmly stated that the Majithia family’s treacherous acts in betraying nationalists are etched in history and cannot be erased.
Regarding the current state of the Akali Dal, Mann labeled it a sinking ship, stating that the people have lost trust in the party. He emphasized that the Akalis won’t be forgiven for their offenses against Punjab and its citizens. Mann pointed out the internal divisions within the party, highlighting differences among key leaders. Shifting focus to his government’s achievements, Mann proudly stated that they have provided jobs to 37,934 deserving youths across various departments, ensuring transparency in the selection process based on merit. He reiterated the government’s commitment to empowering the youth and enhancing opportunities for women in Punjab, celebrating the return of youngsters from overseas due to increased job prospects in the state.
