Amritsar: The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has removed Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) Vice-Chancellor Dr Karamjit Singh from a committee formed to examine the service rules of the Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib. The decision was taken after a video featuring Dr Singh in conversation with Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat went viral on social media.
In the video, Dr Singh is purportedly seen making remarks perceived as contrary to Sikh ideology. SGPC Secretary Pratap Singh said the removal followed objections from the Sikh Sangat. “In view of the concerns raised, SGPC President Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami has decided to remove Dr Karamjit Singh from the panel,” he said.
The controversy began after Congress MLA and former Punjab minister Pragat Singh shared the video on his social media platform, criticising the Vice-Chancellor for bowing before the RSS chief.
“This act raises serious questions,” he said, alleging that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab is facilitating RSS influence in the state’s education system, particularly in universities. He also accused the AAP of pushing a right-wing agenda by implementing the Central Education Policy.
The video, reportedly recorded during an event organised by ‘Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas’ at the Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences in Kerala, has received mixed reactions online. While some defended Dr Singh, suggesting he was attending a non-government, private event in his personal capacity, others viewed the interaction as compromising.
Meanwhile, the SGPC has not announced a replacement for Dr Karamjit Singh on the panel.
