Former Akal Takht Jathedar Levels Serious Corruption Allegations Against Badal Family in SGPC
In a significant development that has sent shockwaves through Sikh religious circles, former Akal Takht jathedar and current Darbar Sahib head granthi Giani Raghbir Singh has publicly accused the Badal family of fostering corruption within the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC). Speaking at a press conference in Jalandhar, Singh alleged that the Badals are "patronising corrupt elements in the Sikh body," calling for urgent reform to protect the sanctity of Sikh institutions.
Call for Sarbat Khalsa to Address Corruption Concerns
Giani Raghbir Singh made a passionate appeal for Sikh organizations to unite and convene a Sarbat Khalsa, a traditional Sikh congregation, to "free SGPC" from what he described as systemic corruption. He emphasized that this collective action is necessary to safeguard religious heritage and ensure transparency in the management of Sikh gurdwaras. The former jathedar's call has resonated with other Sikh leaders, including former Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee president Paramjit Singh Sarna, who has urged both SGPC and the current Akal Takht jathedar to take immediate and decisive action.
Allegations of Political Pressure and Land Misappropriation
During his press briefing, Giani Raghbir Singh revealed that he faced intense pressure to issue a statement during the Tarn Taran bypoll, claiming that a pronouncement from Akal Takht in December 2024 was made under duress from the RSS and BJP. He stated firmly that he refused to propagate what he termed a "big lie," highlighting his commitment to truth and integrity. Additionally, Singh raised serious concerns about land being "sold by unscrupulous elements," suggesting financial misconduct within SGPC operations.
It is noteworthy that Giani Raghbir Singh served as Akal Takht jathedar when Sukhbir Singh Badal, president of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), was declared 'tankhaiya' (guilty of religious misconduct). This historical context adds weight to his current allegations, as he brings insider knowledge of the dynamics within Sikh religious leadership. His statements underscore a growing rift between traditional Sikh values and perceived political interference in religious affairs.
Broader Implications for Sikh Religious Governance
The allegations made by Giani Raghbir Singh point to deeper issues within the SGPC, a body responsible for managing Sikh gurdwaras and religious properties. Corruption claims, if substantiated, could undermine public trust and lead to calls for structural reforms. The involvement of high-profile figures like the Badal family, who have long been influential in Punjab politics and Sikh institutions, makes this a politically sensitive matter with potential repercussions for upcoming elections and religious harmony.
As the story develops, stakeholders across the Sikh community are closely monitoring responses from SGPC and the Akal Takht. The demand for a Sarbat Khalsa reflects a desire for grassroots involvement in decision-making, echoing historical practices where Sikhs gathered to address communal challenges. This situation highlights the ongoing tension between maintaining religious purity and navigating political landscapes, a theme that resonates beyond Punjab to Sikh diaspora communities worldwide.
