Punjab Minister Condemns SAD Chief's Remarks on Akal Takht Authority
In a strong rebuke, Punjab Minister Harjot Singh Bains on Thursday criticized Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief Sukhbir Singh Badal for his comments regarding the December 2, 2024, orders of Akal Takht. Bains asserted that such statements undermine the authority of the highest temporal seat of Sikhism, constituting a direct attack on its sanctity and the collective sentiments of the Sikh community.
Divine Commands Cannot Be Questioned
Bains emphasized that every edict issued by Akal Takht is a divine command that must be accepted without hesitation or doubt. He stated that those who challenge its authority with "buts" and "ifs" cannot legitimately claim to represent the Panth, the broader Sikh community. The minister called for immediate intervention, urging acting jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj to take notice of what he described as an attack on the takht.
Allegations of Political Interference in Religious Matters
Highlighting broader concerns, Bains pointed to political interference in religious and heritage affairs. He specifically accused the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) of altering nearly 90% of the Anandpur Sahib Heritage Street project to deny credit to the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann government. Bains warned that the public will remember who ultimately blocked a project of deep religious and cultural significance.
Response to Badal's Agency Influence Claims
Reacting to Badal's suggestion that "agencies" influenced Akal Takht decisions, Bains labeled the statement as disgraceful. He said, "To say Sri Akal Takht Sahib decisions were influenced by agencies is the most disgraceful statement any so-called Sikh leader could make." Bains noted that former Akal Takht jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh had also condemned Badal's remarks, calling for unity within the Panth against any attempts to question the takht's authority.
Details on the Stalled Heritage Street Project
During a media interaction, Bains provided further insights into the Anandpur Sahib Heritage Street project. He revealed that he was assigned to the Tourism Department for two months, during which the project was prepared with great enthusiasm and vetted by the SGPC. A model of the project, including a Deodi structure, remains in front of Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib today.
Bains alleged that the SGPC altered 90% of the original design for political reasons, aiming to prevent credit from going to him or Chief Minister Mann. He highlighted inconsistencies, pointing out that a similar Deodi structure was already built at Takht Sri Damdama Sahib, questioning why such extensive changes were necessary. Despite this, Bains expressed respect for SGPC decisions, stating, "Whatever the SGPC President or the Jathedar of Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib decide is a divine order for us. It was my heartfelt wish to see that project through."
