BJP Applauds Golden Temple Head Granthi for Standing Firm Against Political Pressure
In a significant development from Amritsar, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has publicly extended its appreciation to Giani Raghbir Singh, the former Jathedar of the Akal Takht and current Head Granthi of the Golden Temple. This gesture comes in response to his steadfast refusal to succumb to external pressures aimed at implicating the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the BJP in the controversial hukamnama issued on December 2, 2024. That edict granted atonement to Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal, sparking widespread debate within the Sikh community.
Allegations of Political Manipulation Surface Ahead of Elections
State BJP spokesperson Sarchand Singh addressed the media, highlighting that Giani Raghbir Singh recently disclosed being pressured during the Taran by-election to issue a statement claiming the Akal Takht's pronouncement was influenced by the RSS and BJP. Singh firmly declined this request, a move the BJP now lauds as a defense of institutional integrity. Sarchand Singh asserted that these attempts are part of a broader strategy to mislead the Sikh panth in the lead-up to the 2027 assembly elections, describing them as a deliberate ploy to sow confusion and distrust.
Accusations Directed at Shiromani Akali Dal
In a pointed accusation, Sarchand Singh alleged that the SAD is behind the pressure exerted on Giani Raghbir Singh. He criticized Sukhbir Singh Badal for what he termed a "baseless conspiracy" to blame the BJP, the SAD's former ally, thereby betraying trust. Singh demanded a public apology from Badal for attempting to malign the BJP's reputation and called for a clear clarification of his stance on the matter. This confrontation underscores the deepening political rift between the two parties, with religious institutions being dragged into the fray.
Defense of Akal Takht's Autonomy and Decisions
Emphasizing the sanctity of the Akal Takht's proceedings, Sarchand Singh recalled that on December 2, 2024, the Sikh clergy had explicitly stated their decisions were made unanimously based on Gurmat principles, free from any political interference. He lamented that subsequent efforts to attribute these decisions to the BJP or RSS constitute a conspiratorial attack on the supremacy and institutional autonomy of the Akal Takht. Such actions, he argued, risk reducing a revered religious body to a tool for petty political controversies, undermining its credibility and spiritual authority.
Instead, the BJP spokesperson praised the December 2, 2024 edict for restoring dignity to the office of the Jathedar and reviving confidence among Sikhs in their religious institutions. This perspective frames the hukamnama as a positive step towards reinforcing traditional values and community trust, rather than a politically motivated decree.
Criticism of SGPC's Handling of the Situation
In response to the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) executive body issuing a notice to Giani Raghbir Singh, BJP state spokespersons expressed strong disapproval. They argued that targeting the serving Head Granthi of the Golden Temple in such a manner amounts to an affront to his esteemed stature. The BJP suggested that if any misunderstandings existed, the SGPC should have prioritized dialogue and resolution over formal notices, which they believe cast unnecessary doubts on institutional dignity and exacerbate tensions within the Sikh community.
This ongoing saga highlights the intricate interplay between religion and politics in Punjab, with key figures and organizations navigating delicate balances of power and principle. As the 2027 elections approach, such incidents are likely to fuel further debates and shape electoral dynamics in the region.
