SAD Leader Launches Fresh Attack on SGPC President Over Property Management
In a significant development from Jalandhar, Shiromani Akali Dal (Punar Surjit) president Giani Harpreet Singh has intensified his criticism against Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee president Harjinder Singh Dhami. During a party conference at village Partapura, organized by party secretary general Gurpartap Singh Wadala, Singh made serious allegations regarding the management of Sikh religious properties.
Allegations of Property Mismanagement and Political Pressure
Giani Harpreet Singh directly accused Dhami of allowing gurdwara properties to be looted, marking another chapter in their ongoing political confrontation. The SAD leader revealed that following his December 2, 2024 pronouncement, he faced systematic victimization through a committee investigation based on what he described as fake allegations from an estranged relative.
"A completely concocted report was used to remove me from my position as jathedar of Takht Damdama Sahib," Singh stated emphatically during his address. He further demanded the formation of a neutral committee to investigate serious allegations of wrongdoing within SGPC, particularly referencing recent claims made by Darbar Sahib head granthi Giani Raghbir Singh.
The situation took a more controversial turn when Singh alleged that Giani Raghbir Singh was pressured to issue a statement claiming the December 2 Akal Takht pronouncement was made under pressure from RSS-BJP forces. This revelation adds another layer to the complex religio-political dynamics currently unfolding in Punjab.
Criticism Extends to Punjab Government Policies
Expanding his criticism beyond religious institutions, Giani Harpreet Singh turned his attention to the Punjab government's financial policies. He accused the administration of selling public properties to fund its promised monthly Rs 1,000 payment to women across the state.
"When SGPC is selling its lands and squandering money, the Punjab government is also not doing any less," Singh declared. He specifically mentioned properties in Bathinda valued at approximately Rs 600 crore, along with land parcels in Patiala and Mohali that he claimed were being sold off.
The SAD leader framed this as a continuation of historical exploitation, stating: "First, Delhi-walas looted Punjab, and now they are selling lands to collect money to give it to women to form the government again." He expressed confidence that Punjab's voters would recognize this pattern and not be fooled in upcoming elections.
Response to Legal Threats and Future Plans
Following SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami's warning about filing a defamation suit, Giani Harpreet Singh issued a separate video statement challenging the legal threat. He dared Dhami to direct all SGPC gurdwara managers to file defamation suits, vowing to continue exposing irregularities regardless of legal consequences.
"Nothing is greater than truth and the dignity of the community. Holding those responsible for the community accountable is not a crime," Singh asserted, positioning himself as a defender of Sikh interests against institutional mismanagement.
Repeatedly referring to Dhami as a "sipahi (soldier) of Sukhbir Singh Badal," Singh announced plans to present evidence of wrongdoing at the upcoming Hola Mohalla conference. He promised to personally deliver evidence to Dhami's residence and confront him with questions he believes the SGPC president cannot answer.
Broader Community Concerns and Property Sales
The controversy extends to specific properties, with Singh highlighting the sale of Gurdwara Amb Sahib as particularly damaging to community sentiment. "The entire community has been hurt by the way Gurdwara Amb Sahib has been sold off," he lamented, raising fundamental questions about which judicial forum Sikhs should approach for redressal.
Singh also criticized what he described as wasteful spending of Punjab's resources on political propaganda in other states, leaving insufficient funds for Punjab's own development needs. He concluded with a pointed allegation that "those from Delhi were eyeing Punjab's money and assets" for their own political purposes.
This escalating conflict between SAD factions and SGPC leadership reflects deeper tensions within Punjab's religio-political landscape, with property management, financial transparency, and community accountability emerging as central issues that could significantly impact upcoming political developments in the region.
