SGPC Members Escalate Opposition Against Akal Takht Officiating Jathedar
Opposition to Giani Kuldip Singh Gargaj, the officiating jathedar of the Akal Takht, is intensifying in Amritsar. Seven members of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) have now joined the call for his removal. They submitted a formal complaint to SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami, demanding immediate action.
Formal Complaint Lodged Over Alleged Violations
The SGPC members accuse Giani Gargaj of initiating what they term "new and questionable traditions." Their primary grievance centers on his decision to summon Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to the Akal Takht secretariat. The members label CM Mann an "apostate" due to his clean-shaven appearance, which they argue contravenes Sikh religious conduct.
In their complaint, the members state that safeguarding the maryada, or Sikh code of religious conduct, of the Akal Takht is a core responsibility of the SGPC. They emphasize that the jathedar bears a special duty in this regard. The complaint expresses deep disappointment that the appointed jathedar, despite his awareness of the maryada, has taken steps to introduce non-panthic practices within the community.
Key Signatories and Their Demands
Kiranjot Kaur, an SGPC member, confirmed the details of the complaint. She named the six other signatories alongside herself. The group includes prominent figures such as Bibi Jagir Kaur, Mithu Singh Kahnake, Jarnail Singh Kartarpur, Surinder Singh Bhullaegatha, Nirmal Singh Jaula, and Mahinder Singh Hussainpur.
Their letter strongly objects to the manner in which CM Mann was summoned. The complaint highlights that he was called to the office of the Akal Takht on the pretext that he could not be summoned to the Akal Takht Sahib itself. This move has sparked serious questions about religious protocol.
Serious Questions Raised About Religious Protocol
The SGPC members pose pointed questions in their complaint. "Can the maryada of the Akal Takht Sahib be ignored there? Is the office greater than the institution of the Akal Takht Sahib? Is there freedom to impose arbitrary maryada within the office?" they ask.
They argue that by "deliberately giving new meanings to the maryada of the Akal Takht Sahib" and starting non-panthic practices, Giani Gargaj has failed in his duties. The members insist he must be held accountable for these actions. Their formal demand is clear: they seek his removal from the post of officiating jathedar.
The complaint now rests with SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami. He is expected to review the allegations and provide an explanation for the jathedar's controversial actions. This development marks a significant challenge within the Sikh religious administration, highlighting tensions over tradition and authority.
