Former Akal Takht Leaders Level Serious Allegations Against SGPC and Badal Faction
In a significant development during the Holla Mohalla celebrations, the Shiromani Akali Dal (Punar Surjit) held a political conference at Anandpur Sahib in Ropar district, where senior Sikh leaders launched scathing accusations of corruption and mismanagement within the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC). The event, which drew large crowds along the Anandpur Sahib–Kiratpur Sahib road, became a platform for demanding sweeping reforms in Sikh religious and political institutions.
Allegations of Financial Irregularities and Missing Funds
Former Akal Takht jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh, in a fiery address, directly targeted the Badal-led faction of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), asserting that its leadership has severely damaged the SGPC's credibility among the Sikh community. He highlighted a specific case involving a chartered accountant who was arrested in connection with the alleged disappearance of 328 saroops of Guru Granth Sahib, emphasizing that substantial funds linked to this individual remain unrecovered to this day.
Furthermore, Raghbir Singh revealed that the SGPC is owed a staggering Rs 8 crore by a private television channel. He alleged that the broadcaster has consistently failed to clear its annual obligation of Rs 2 crore to the committee since 2023, raising serious questions about financial oversight and accountability within the organization.
Calls for Transparency and Unity Within the Sikh Community
Raghbir Singh passionately urged the Sikh community to rally behind former Akal Takht jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh in a collective effort to restore transparency and uphold maryada (religious discipline) within Sikh institutions. He also expressed deep concern over alleged religious conversions in Punjab's border districts, claiming that some Sikh students are identifying as Christians solely to avail fee concessions, a practice he described as alarming and detrimental to Sikh identity.
In his critique of the Badal leadership, Raghbir Singh accused them of deviating from traditional Akali principles. He referenced the Akal Takht proceedings of December 2, 2024, where the leadership publicly accepted mistakes, but dismissed this as "symbolic and insincere." He alleged that this gesture was followed by public ridicule and internal discord, further eroding trust.
Harpreet Singh and Chandumajra Join the Fray
Former Akal Takht jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh also addressed the gathering, leveling serious accusations against the Badal leadership for undermining the sanctity of the Akal Takht. He directly linked Raghbir Singh's removal from his position to his outspoken criticism of SGPC functioning, framing it as an act of retaliation rather than a legitimate administrative decision.
Harpreet Singh projected the SAD (Punar Surjit) as a corrective force necessary to salvage Punjab's political and religious landscape, rallying supporters with the slogan, "Bring SAD (Punar Surjit) and save Punjab." His speech resonated with calls for urgent panthic reform and a stronger political voice for Punjab against perceived centralization of power.
Adding weight to the allegations, former MP Prem Singh Chandumajra described Raghbir Singh's removal as an act of "institutional overreach." He called for unity within Akali ranks to revive the party's foundational ideology, emphasizing the need for a cohesive front to address the challenges facing Sikh institutions.
Political Context and Lack of Immediate Response
The conference was strategically timed alongside the Holla Mohalla festivities, with organizers stating its objective was to mobilize support for religious and political reform. Notably, the SAD (Amritsar) also conducted a separate political conference in Anandpur Sahib on the same day, indicating a broader movement of dissent within Akali circles.
At the time of reporting, neither the Shiromani Akali Dal nor the SGPC issued an immediate response to the serious allegations raised during the conference. The silence from these institutions has only intensified the calls for accountability and transparency, setting the stage for potential confrontations in the coming days.
The allegations span financial mismanagement, religious integrity, and political deviation, painting a complex picture of internal strife within one of Punjab's most influential political and religious entities. As the Sikh community reflects on these claims, the demand for reform and a return to core principles appears to be gaining momentum.
