A significant controversy has erupted between Delhi Sikh leaders and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) over the coordination of events marking the 350th anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur's martyrdom, with both sides trading allegations about failed collaboration attempts.
Allegations of Last-Minute Withdrawal
Delhi minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa and Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) president Harmeet Singh Kalka have publicly claimed that the SGPC initially showed willingness to participate in the Delhi functions but unexpectedly backed out after taking preliminary steps toward collaboration.
According to Sirsa, who spoke to media on Wednesday, elaborate arrangements were made to involve the SGPC at the highest level. "CM Rekha Gupta spoke to SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami and invited him for the meeting to discuss the function. Dhami came to Delhi on the day of the meeting and reached SGPC's Sikh Mission office in Gurdwara Rakab Ganj. My OSD went there to escort him to the meeting, but after some time, he left the place, and then his phone remained switched off," Sirsa revealed.
Failed Negotiations and Political Interference
The DSGMC leadership detailed their efforts to ensure SGPC's prominent role in the anniversary events. DSGMC president Kalka described a meeting held in Amritsar on November 5-6 where both committees discussed collaboration terms.
"We assured them that on the publicity material, the name of the SGPC would be above DSGMC. As the PM was also expected at the event, I said if only one Sikh leader would get the time to speak in the presence of the PM, then it would be the SGPC president. At this point, everyone appeared satisfied," Kalka stated.
The situation reportedly changed when Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal became involved in the discussions. Kalka claimed that during the Amritsar meeting, SGPC member Rajinder Singh Mehta asked Dhami to consult with Sukhbir Singh Badal.
"Dhami took me and Kahlon aside and called up Sukhbir. He put the call on hands-free mode so that we could also participate in the conversation. Asking me to take time to invite the PM, Sukhbir said he (Sukhbir) and Dhami would go to the PM to give the invitation," Kalka recounted.
SGPC Counters Allegations
SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami confirmed the meeting with Kalka and the phone call to Sukhbir Badal but accused the Delhi leaders of presenting half-truths to conceal their own inconsistencies.
"They came to us only after chalking out the entire programme, after inviting the PM, and just wanted us to fit in. Sukhbir agreed that SGPC and DSGMC should join hands, and he said when it was a joint programme, the invitation should be given to the PM jointly," Dhami explained.
Dhami further argued that the DSGMC leaders failed to respond to his request to raise the issue of Bandi Singhs (Sikh prisoners) during the event. "To my point of raising the issue of Bandi Singhs, Kalka said he would get back on this after discussion, but then there was no response from them," Dhami stated.
Regarding his aborted Delhi visit, Dhami clarified that he did travel to the capital but returned without attending the meeting because DSGMC leaders were not taking the SAD leadership of Delhi on board.
Aftermath and Missed Opportunity
The failed collaboration represents a significant setback for Sikh unity during an important religious observance. The 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur presented an opportunity for different Sikh organizations to demonstrate collective reverence for the ninth Sikh Guru, who sacrificed his life for religious freedom.
Kalka expressed disappointment at the outcome, stating that initial progress was torpedoed after political considerations entered the discussions. "Initially, Dhami appeared to be coming on board, but after he called up Sukhbir, everything changed. The efforts to hold the functions jointly and convey the message of unity were torpedoed," the DSGMC president alleged.
The controversy highlights the ongoing tensions between different Sikh organizations and the continuing influence of political considerations in religious events, ultimately resulting in separate commemorations for Guru Tegh Bahadur's historic martyrdom anniversary.
