The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) on Saturday decided to initiate legal action against Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann over a viral video controversy. At a special meeting of its General House, the SGPC passed a resolution stating that Mann had failed to provide a clear and satisfactory explanation on the issue. The House decided that an FIR should be registered against Mann and declared that he had lost the moral right to remain in office, demanding his immediate resignation.
Panthic Gathering Announced for July 5
The SGPC also announced a Panthic gathering on July 5 at Gurdwara Manji Sahib Diwan Hall, following the foundation day programme of the Akal Takht. The meeting will invite Sikh organisations, Damdami Taksal, Nihang groups, Singh Sabhas, Sikh institutions, scholars, intellectuals, and members of the Sikh community. This gathering aims to discuss the current situation and reinforce the Akal Takht's authority.
Statewide Campaign to Spread Awareness
In addition, the SGPC decided to launch a campaign across Punjab to make people aware of the Akal Takht’s directive. The campaign will utilize preachers, dhadhis, and kavishers (poets) to disseminate the message among the Sikh community. Addressing the meeting, Akal Takht Jathedar Kuldeep Singh Gargaj stated that CM Mann’s challenge to the Akal Takht’s order reflected his attitude towards Sikh institutions. He urged SGPC members to spread awareness about the Akal Takht’s decision among the Sikh community.
Opposition to Maharashtra Government's Move
In another resolution, the SGPC opposed the Maharashtra government’s move to replace the 1956 law governing the management of Takht Sachkhand Sri Hazur Sahib at Nanded. The committee urged the government to withdraw the proposal and retain the existing Act without any changes, citing the importance of preserving the historical and religious autonomy of the Takht.
Dissent Within SGPC Meeting
The meeting also witnessed some dissent. SGPC member Jaswant Singh Purain called on office-bearers to improve their functioning and learn from past mistakes. Referring to an earlier advertisement controversy related to the Sirsa dera chief, he cautioned that the SGPC should avoid a situation where it might again have to refund money spent on flex boards against Mann. Former SGPC president Bibi Jagir Kaur also criticized the functioning of the present office-bearers during the meeting. However, her speech was not shown during the live telecast of the proceedings on the SGPC’s social media platforms.
Clarification on Flex Boards Funding
Later, at a press conference, SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami clarified that funds from the Dharam Parchar Committee were being used to install flex boards to publicize the Akal Takht’s directive. He emphasized that the SGPC is committed to upholding the directives of the Akal Takht and ensuring that the Sikh community is informed about its decisions.
