Political Rivals Unite to Honor Guru Tegh Bahadur’s Legacy

Political adversaries in India put aside differences in 1975 to commemorate the **300th anniversary** of Guru Tegh Bahadur’s martyrdom. This event took place during a tumultuous period marked by the **Emergency** imposed by then Prime Minister **Indira Gandhi**. Notable leaders from the **Congress Party**, the **Akali Dal**, and various Sikh organizations gathered in **Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan** to celebrate this significant occasion.

The joint event reflected an unprecedented spirit of cooperation, with leaders such as **Giani Zail Singh**, who was the Chief Minister of Punjab at the time, and other prominent figures from the Akali Dal participating despite the political climate. **Tarlochan Singh**, a former Member of Parliament and a close associate of Giani Zail Singh, commented on the collective effort: “Emergency was in place and quite a few senior Akali leaders were in jail, but still, for the sake of observing the tercentenary of Guru’s martyrdom, there was coordination…”

Preparations for the event included a ceremonial procession from **Anandpur Sahib** to Delhi, which featured prominent dignitaries such as **Sant Harchand Singh Longowal** and **Surjit Singh Barnala**. This procession aimed to honor the legacy of the ninth Sikh Guru. Singh recalls accompanying Longowal during the journey, which involved several overnight stops before arriving in Delhi.

On the day of the function, the stage at Ramlila Maidan was shared by Indira Gandhi alongside Sikh leaders, creating a rare moment of unity amid existing political tensions. **Manjit Singh GK**, a former president of the **Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC)**, reflected on the atmosphere: “I remember Indira Gandhi saying she came from the clan of Pandit Kirpa Ram, who led the delegation of Kashmiri Pandits to Guru Tegh Bahadur.” He noted that despite previous tensions between his father and the Akali leaders, the event fostered a sense of collaboration.

The gathering attracted thousands, with attendees recalling the emotional weight of the commemoration. **Paramjit Singh Sarna**, another former DSGMC chief, described the early morning arrival: “One vivid memory is of us opposing the presence of policemen with shoes on in the pandal, as Guru Granth Sahib was to be in place.” He reminisced about the spiritual atmosphere created by the kirtan performed by **Bhai Dharam Singh Zakhmi**, which vividly recounted the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur and his disciples.

Amid the solemn observance, speeches were made that openly criticized the Emergency, with Barnala and the then head of the **Damdami Taksal**, **Sant Kartar Singh**, making their opposition known in Gandhi’s presence. Barnala was arrested shortly after the event, underscoring the risks taken by leaders who spoke out against the government.

Reflecting on earlier collaborations, the article also highlights a significant procession in **1973** when a united effort between the Congress-led government and the Akalis took place on the newly constructed **Guru Gobind Singh Marg** in Delhi. The joint venture, led by Giani Zail Singh and **SGPC president Gurcharan Singh Tohra**, fostered goodwill despite underlying political rivalries. Tohra’s account of this cooperation, as recounted in a recently published book, demonstrates the potential for unity among diverse political factions when driven by a common cause.

The gathering in 1975, although a product of its time, stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Guru Tegh Bahadur and the possibilities of cooperation among political rivals in India.