CM Mann calls removal of jathedars an act of vendetta

Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday condemned the removal of jathedars of Akal Takht and Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, calling it an act of “vendetta.” His remarks came a day after the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) removed Giani Raghbir Singh as Jathedar of Akal Takht and Giani Sultan Singh as Jathedar of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib.

The SGPC appointed Sikh scholar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj as the new Jathedar of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib. He will also serve as acting Jathedar of the Akal Takht until a permanent appointment is made.

Commenting on the development, Mann said, “It is a religious matter. Ideally, politics should learn from religion, but instead, politics is influencing religion.” He made these remarks while attending an event to send a group of school principals for training in Singapore.

Mann also called for general elections to the SGPC, questioning the decision to remove the jathedars. Referring to Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leaders, including Sukhbir Singh Badal, he said, “You have accepted your mistakes and also remained on ‘tankah’ (religious punishment). Now you say you will remove the jathedars. This seems to be an act of vengeance.”

Meanwhile, former Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh condemned the removal, calling it a “black day for the Panth.” Several political leaders have also criticized the decision.