Chandigarh: A political controversy has erupted in Punjab over the Maharashtra government’s decision to introduce a new law governing the management of Takht Sachkhand Sri Hazur Sahib in Nanded. Leaders from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Congress have strongly opposed the move, alleging that it undermines the autonomy of Sikh religious institutions.<\/p>\n
AAP MP Malvinder Singh Kang described the proposed changes as an attempt by the Maharashtra government to gain control over Takht Sri Hazur Sahib. He alleged that the BJP-led government intends to replace the nearly 70-year-old Nanded Act and increase its influence over the shrine’s administration through nominated members.<\/p>\n
The controversy follows the Maharashtra Cabinet’s approval of a proposal to repeal the Nanded Sikh Gurdwara Sachkhand Sri Hazur Abchalnagar Sahib Act, 1956. The existing legislation is set to be replaced by a new law titled the Takht Sachkhand Sri Hazur Abchalnagar Sahib Gurdwara Act, the draft of which has also received cabinet approval.<\/p>\n
Kang said the Sikh community would not tolerate any attempt to interfere with the independence of Sikh religious institutions. He urged the Maharashtra government to immediately withdraw what he termed a provocative and unnecessary intervention in the affairs of the Takht.<\/p>\n
“We will not allow sacred Sikh Takhts to be turned into government-controlled institutions. Any attempt to curtail their autonomy will be strongly opposed,” Kang said.<\/p>\n
Congress MP from Gurdaspur, Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, also criticised the Maharashtra government’s decision, calling it a direct attack on the autonomy of Sikh Takhts and religious institutions. He appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to intervene and ensure that the proposal is withdrawn.<\/p>\n
Randhawa argued that the proposed legislation would increase direct government control over the gurdwara board, amounting to interference in religious affairs. He said Sikh institutions should remain free from political and administrative intervention.<\/p>\n
The Maharashtra government’s move has triggered concern among Sikh organisations and political parties, with several groups expected to closely examine the provisions of the proposed legislation in the coming days.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Chandigarh: A political controversy has erupted in Punjab over the Maharashtra government’s decision to introduce a new law governing the management of Takht Sachkhand Sri Hazur Sahib in Nanded. Leaders from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Congress have strongly opposed the move, alleging that it undermines the autonomy of Sikh religious institutions. AAP MP […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":67280,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[19,37],"tags":[16181,16180],"class_list":["post-67279","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-latest","category-national","tag-hazur-sahib-management-law","tag-political-storm-over-proposed-changes-to"],"yoast_head":"\n