BJP Joins Growing Demand for Removal of Akal Takht Officiating Jathedar
In Amritsar, the demand for the removal of the officiating jathedar of the Akal Takht, Giani Kuldip Singh Gargaj, has gained significant momentum. The BJP has now added its voice to calls for his ouster. The party alleges that his actions violated the maryada, which is the Sikh code of religious conduct.
BJP Spokesperson Criticizes Decision on UK-Based Leader
BJP Punjab spokesperson Sarchand Singh spoke out on Monday. He stated that the officiating jathedar's decision to withdraw a ban imposed on Manvir Singh Manna runs contrary to the spirit of the panthic institutional system. Manvir Singh Manna heads the UK-based Satkar Committee.
According to a letter issued by Bagicha Singh, who is the in-charge of the Akal Takht secretariat, Giani Gargaj lifted the ban on Manvir Singh. Instead, he urged UK gurdwara committees, Sikh institutions, and Sikh organisations to extend support to him. This support relates to ongoing court cases in the UK concerning the honour of Guru Granth Sahib.
Allegations of Non-Principled and Autocratic Conduct
Sarchand Singh described the jathedar's actions as non-principled and autocratic. He claimed that such conduct violates maryada and constitutes a direct assault on the supremacy of Panthic institutions.
The BJP spokesperson made a strong appeal to Harjinder Singh Dhami, the president of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC). He urged Dhami to intervene immediately to protect the sanctity and dignity of the Akal Takht. He also called for a formal explanation from Giani Gargaj regarding his alleged non-principled actions.
Furthermore, Sarchand Singh requested Dhami to remove Giani Gargaj from his post. He suggested appointing a Gursikh with doctrinal clarity and Panthic maturity as the permanent jathedar of the Akal Takht.
Background of Objections and Previous Directives
Recently, seven SGPC members objected to the summoning of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to the Akal Takht. They called him a patit, meaning apostate, and demanded Giani Gargaj's removal.
Notably, on December 6, 2022, the five Sikh high priests issued a clear directive. They declared Manvir Singh Manna guilty of committing acts that violated maryada and misled the Sikh sangat. Accordingly, Sikhs were directed not to extend any form of cooperation to him.
Shock Over Recent Orders Without Proper Procedures
Sarchand Singh expressed shock at Giani Gargaj's recent orders. He pointed out that the jathedar acted without convening a meeting of the Sikh clergy. He also did not summon the accused to appear before the Akal Takht and sought no Panthic approval.
Despite this, Giani Gargaj issued orders asking the entire Sikh sangat and the gurdwara management committees of the UK to extend full cooperation to Manvir Singh. This cooperation is for the ongoing case in the UK related to the respect of Sri Guru Granth Sahib.
