Political NewsPunjab

SGPC’s decision has deeply hurt Sikh sentiments, says Majithia over Jathedars removal

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Chandigarh: The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee’s (SGPC) decision to remove Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh and the Jathedar of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib has sparked widespread resentment among the Sikh community and triggered a major revolt within the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD).

Senior Akali leader Bikram Singh Majithia, former minister Sharanjit Singh Dhillon, and former MLA Lakhbir Singh Lodhinangal have openly opposed the move. Majithia not only issued a statement in Chandigarh but also held a press conference in Amritsar, accompanied by several party leaders, to voice their protest.

In a joint statement, Majithia and other leaders asserted, “We fully respect the dignity of the Akal Takht and the Jathedars of the Takht and will continue to do so till our last breath. This status is not limited to any one individual. It is our duty to respect all Jathedars who hold these positions.”

The leaders condemned the SGPC’s internal committee’s decision, stating that it had deeply hurt the Sikh community. Majithia remarked that Guru Sahiban had given the Sikh sangat the status of Guru, and the SGPC’s action was against the sentiments of the community. He expressed sorrow over the recent developments within the Sikh panth.

Questioning the Akali leadership, the dissenting leaders stressed the need for unity and introspection.

“In the past, whether for unity or other steps, have we acted according to the sentiments of the Panth? We are all responsible for this,” they said, calling for a collective effort to safeguard the Shiromani Akali Dal. They also appealed to leaders of the reform movement to cooperate for unity.

The press conference in Amritsar saw the presence of several key Akali Dal figures, including core committee members, SGPC member and constituency in-charge Ajnala Jodh Singh Samara, Sarbjot Singh Sabi, Mukerian constituency in-charge Ramandeep Singh Sandhu, Gurdaspur district president Simranjit Singh Dhillon, and Punjab youth leaders.