It has many aspects as it is for the first time that the centenary celebrations are being organised. On the two earlier occasions, the Sikhs were not in that position. It is a free country now and fortunately, what is all the more important, it is the Akali Dal which is ruling in Punjab. It would be the right time to spread the Anandpur Sahib ideology from this birthplace of the Khalsa. At the same time, it would also be the time for introspection for the Sikh Diaspora spread all over the world. TheSikh philosophy is not ritualistic but action-oriented.

Besides the State Government, several organisations and individuals are also devoted to this cause. It is hoped the job would be done successfully. Cooperation of every Panthic organisation will be sought.

It is unfortunate but this issue has been taken care of. The situation is not that critical. The irritants are being sorted out and there is no crisis as such now. It was mainly due to some difference of opinion.

The main function of these institutions is propagating religion and makingthe Sikhs amritdhari (baptising Sikhs). The amrit parchar will be undertaken on a massive scale.

The clergy led by Akal Takht Jathedar Bhai Ranjit Singh has only reiterated the basic principle laid down by Guru Amardas who started the institution of langar at Goindwal Sahib as a step towards egalitarian society. It is the divine principal of equality of all which is reflected in the institution of langar. Serving langar on tables is against the concept of equality. The basic principles cannot be changed. Even an emperor had to first sit in pangat (line on the ground) and then join the sangat to have darshan of the Guru. The Panth cannot change the basic principles laid down by the Guru.

For a brief period, the SGPC was not under the control of the Akalis. The clarification was possibly issued at that time.

The Akali Dal-BJP coalition is functioning well in Punjab but I am not satisfied with the attitude of the BJP high command, especially regarding the relations with the long-pending demands concerning the State. The BJP is no different from the Congress. The BJP should do some introspection. We fully understand that the BJP has the limitation of not being in a majority. But then it is a question of the attitude.

The river waters dispute should be referred to the Supreme Court or the tribunal and resolved on the basis of the riparian principles as applicable elsewhere. The recommendations of the Eradi Tribunal are not acceptable and riparian law was ignored by this tribunal. Then the BJP leaders say the Akalis never demandedChandigarh. Where is the question of demanding Chandigarh? It belongs to Punjab and it should be transferred immediately. Even on the issue of Udham Singh Nagar, the attitude of the BJP high command was not sympathetic. How can I say that I am satisfied with the BJP at the Centre when there is no positive response even on issues which are not inter-state?

I am fully satisfied with the functioning of the government under Parkash Singh Badal. However, bureaucracy should be properly controlled and action taken against corrupt elements. The cases with the Lokpal against former Congress ministers should be taken to the logical conclusion. There is no commitment of the bureaucracy to the State and the people. The tax collection has been below expectations. The traders are resisting the officials. There has to be strict action and the govt will have to be tough with the traders.