The Sikh Collective, a prominent group of Sikh activists, has formally submitted detailed representations seeking immediate corrective intervention in the electoral process for the forthcoming 2026 general elections of the Takht Patna Sahib management committee. Based in Jalandhar, the organization has raised serious concerns about the integrity of the voter lists, which they argue contain fundamental flaws that undermine the religious character of the elections.
Identification of Disputed Voter Entries
Through meticulous examination, the Collective has identified a total of 287 disputed entries out of 3,637 voters across three constituencies. These findings were presented in separate communications addressed to key authorities, including Bihar State Election Authority (BSEA) chief electoral officer Girish Shankar, Patna principal district and sessions Judge Rupesh Deo, the custodian of the Takht Patna Sahib Committee, and the takht committee general secretary.
Categories of Disputed Votes
The 287 disputed votes have been systematically categorized into three distinct groups:
- Voters who are blatantly non-Sikh, as evidenced by both voter names and parent or husband names being non-Sikh
- Voters who appear non-Sikh but are linked to a Sikh surname (commonly "Singh") through a parent or spouse
- Illegible or unverifiable entries that lack proper documentation
Structural Illegality in Electoral Rolls
The Collective has flagged what they describe as "grave, structural illegality in the draft electoral rolls," specifically pointing to the systemic inclusion of prima facie non-Sikh voters in constituencies that are constitutionally meant to represent a Sikh-only electorate. This fundamental discrepancy, according to the activists, violates the very purpose of elections meant to govern Sikh religious institutions.
Advocacy for Transparency and Reform
Convener Jagmohan Singh emphasized that the Sikh Collective is working diligently for transparency and comprehensive reform in statutory gurdwara management committees through sustained advocacy and judicial activism. He revealed that these "infirmities" in the electoral rolls were uncovered through diligent research conducted over an extended period, reflecting the organization's commitment to thorough investigation.
Religious Significance and Governance Concerns
Stating that Takht Patna Sahib stands among the five holiest takhts revered by Sikhs globally, the Collective made a crucial distinction between accessibility and governance. While gurdwaras remain open to all faiths for prayer and respect—a fundamental principle of Sikhism—the act of voting represents a different dimension entirely. Voting determines who will control and administer Sikh religious institutions, properties, and affairs, making it a matter of religious governance rather than mere visitation.
"At the most fundamental level, non-Sikhs are not eligible to be voters in elections meant for the governance of Sikh religious institutions," Jagmohan Singh asserted, highlighting the constitutional and religious principles at stake.
Call for Corrective Action
The Collective has called upon the Bihar State Election Authority to exercise its supervisory and corrective jurisdiction to ensure the electoral rolls conform with legal requirements before finalization. Specifically, they have urged the authority to instruct the Takht management committee to identify, rectify, and purge these serious defects from the voter lists.
Furthermore, the activists have asked the principal district judge to ensure that judicial recognition is not extended to a committee constituted through a process tainted by what they describe as "foundational illegality." This precautionary measure aims to prevent the legitimization of an improperly formed governing body.
Potential Legal and Social Action
Jagmohan Singh indicated that should prompt and decisive action not be taken, the Collective would be constrained to approach the court to safeguard the legality, sanctity, and community-specific character of the takht's governance. Additionally, they plan to pursue social and religious action against the Takht Patna Sahib management committee.
The organization is currently sharing a comprehensive summary of their findings with Sikh religious leadership, including the Akal Takht jathedar, for information and appropriate action. This multi-pronged approach demonstrates their commitment to addressing the issue through both institutional channels and community engagement.
