Amritsar: Former head granthi of Sri Harmandir Sahib, Giani Raghbir Singh, on Thursday said his removal was linked to the December 2, 2024 edict issued from the Akal Takht, asserting that the decision would not have come had the directive been in his favour.
In a video message reacting to the decision taken by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), Raghbir Singh said he stands firmly by the hukamnama issued from the Akal Takht on December 2 and described it as “absolutely correct”.
‘Edict led to a chain of removals’
He claimed that the December 2 directive led to the removal of Giani Harpreet Singh as jathedar earlier, and subsequently to the removal of himself and Giani Sultan Singh from their respective posts.
On December 2, 2024, action had been announced from the Akal Takht against Shiromani Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Singh Badal and other Akali leaders, including religious punishment.
Says he has proof against SGPC management
Raghbir Singh further said that he possesses evidence to support the allegations he levelled against the current SGPC management on February 18 and would present the proof before the Sikh sangat.
Responding to a query, he suggested that the executive committee’s decision taken on Wednesday appeared to have been influenced from outside.
He said the SGPC is a representative institution of Sikhs built on countless sacrifices, adding that there is no flaw in the institution itself but “the system needs correction”.
‘Removal before tenure end not justified’
The former head granthi said it was not appropriate to remove him before completion of his tenure, noting that more than two years of his service period were still remaining.
However, he added that he accepts the decision taken by the committee.
