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Indian Express
24-07-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Mann govt vs SGPC one-upmanship flares up over Guru Tegh Bahadur martyrdom day plans
The Bhagwant Mann-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab has yet again locked horns with the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD)-controlled Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), this time over their parallel events to be organised to commemorate the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur. A controversy erupted Tuesday after AAP Minister Harjot Singh Bains unveiled the government's plans to mark Guru Tegh Bahadur's 350th martyrdom anniversary. According to Bains, the state government would hold various events in this regard during November 19-25 this year. This would include a special yatra to be taken out from Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir on November 19, which CM Mann would flag off. Separate yatras would start simultaneously from the Majha, Malwa and Doaba regions of Punjab and converge on Anandpur Sahib, the Minister said. However, the government's plans have not gone down well with the SGPC, which has been holding a series of its own events across the country since April to mark Guru Tegh Bahadur's 350th martyrdom anniversary. 'The overlapping programmes will not only cause confusion but also go against the long-standing traditions of the Khalsa Panth. The government must focus on creating meaningful memorials rather than adopting a confrontational approach,' SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami said Tuesday, alleging that the Mann government's move appears to be a 'deliberate' bid to 'sideline' the Sikh institutions. Pointing out that previous governments had cooperated with the SGPC in commemorating such events and setting up memorials, Dhami asked why the AAP government had not shown the same 'seriousness' during its tenure. 'The current government is instead interfering in the jurisdiction of Panthic institutions and organisations,' he said. Hitting back, CM Mann asked whether the SGPC had a 'copyright' on holding events related to the Sikh Gurus. In 2019, the SGPC had clashed with the then Captain Amarinder Singh-led Congress government over the 550th birth anniversary celebrations of Guru Nanak over the government's proposal to hold separate events. The 350th anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur's martyrdom, which will fall in November, would provide the state's political players a major opportunity to reach out to the people in the run-up to the 2027 Punjab Assembly polls. The SAD in particular, whose electoral fortunes have plunged in recent years amid internal rifts, would look to revive its fortunes. If the AAP government and the SGPC resolve their differences and hold the events together, Mann may be forced to share the stage with SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal. The matter could become tricky for the SGPC itself as it has repeatedly targeted the AAP CM in the past. Despite the row, the Punjab government, which expects over a crore devotees to arrive in Anandpur Sahib, seems to be leaving no stone unturned in preparing for the events. It has planned to hold the sound-and-light shows across all 23 districts of the state apart from various seminars in universities to highlight the legacy of Guru Tegh Bahadur. As part of its preparations, the AAP government is also planning to transform Anandpur Sahib into a 'white city' and will also set up a 'tent city' to accommodate the visiting devotees. The government is also coordinating with its counterparts in Haryana, Delhi, and Jammu and Kashmir to ensure smooth conduct of the events. The Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Committee leaders also met Mann recently. Dhami said that while the SGPC has planned to invite heads of all state governments to the events to ensure inclusivity, the Mann government's moves raised 'serious concerns'. SGPC secretary Balwinder Singh however said he had no knowledge if the body had communicated with the AAP government.
Time of India
22-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
‘No copyright': CM to SGPC as row over martyrdom events heats up; Dhami asks him to build hospitals and schools instead
Amritsar/Chandigarh: The war of words between Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and AAP govt in Punjab, over events planned for the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur, intensified on Tuesday. After SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami again asked the Punjab govt not to take a confrontational path by organising religious events to mark the occasion, chief minister Bhagwant Mann asked how the govt was interfering in religious affairs. "What about the Khalsa tercentenary events during the Badal govt? When (SGPC president) Harjinder Singh Dhami campaigns for the Akali Dal during elections in Jalandhar and Ludhiana, doesn't that mean interference in political affairs?" said Mann. He said NGOs and religious organisations would also hold events to commemorate the event. "The SGPC does not have a copyright over such events... The state govt will do what is required. Tell them little knowledge is too dangerous," said the CM. Earlier, Dhami asked the state govt to commemorate the centenary by establishing a major university, medical college, or hospital dedicated to Guru Sahib, which would serve the public and contribute to social welfare. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Mix 4 Kitchen Ingredients, Wake Up Thinner Every Morning purefitnow Learn More Undo He also advised the govt to focus on constructing appropriate memorials in honour of the ninth Sikh guru. Talking to media, Dhami said SGPC had outlined programmes to commemorate the occasion nearly a year ago, and these began at Gurdwara Guru Ke Mahal in Amritsar in April. As part of this plan, events are now being held across the country. He said if the govt announced separate programmes on dates of pre-planned events by the SGPC at Anandpur Sahib, it would create confusion, and this was against the honoured traditions of the Khalsa Panth. It appears that the govt is deliberately choosing to overlook Sikh institutions. The centenary events related to Sikh history are traditionally organised by the Khalsa Panth itself, with active participation from all Sikh sects and organisations, he said. Dhami added that being a premier Sikh body, the SGPC had already made it clear that invitations will be extended to the heads of all govts to ensure inclusive participation. "In this context, govt's decision to announce separate programmes raises serious questions," he said. Akal Takht acting jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargaj, too, backed Dhami and said govts should provide logistical and infrastructural support. "Centenaries have always been observed under the guidance of Sikh organisations with governmental support," he said. Gargaj too asked the govt to concentrate on administrative responsibilities. "Is the CM a complete Sikh? Does he keep his hair unshorn? When it comes to following the teachings of the Gurus, the CM must first be a Sabat Surat Sikh (one who maintains the complete physical form as prescribed by the Gurus). If he truly believes in the Guru, he must follow the Guru's path," he said. "How can the govt take it upon itself to lead a religious procession like the Nagar Kirtan?" he asked.
New Indian Express
21-05-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Akal Takht lifts five-year-old ban on Sikh preacher Dhadrianwale after apology for ‘misinterpreting' Gurbani
CHANDIGARH: Breaking a five-year-long deadlock, the Akal Takht (the supreme temporal seat of the Sikhs) today lifted the ban on religious congregations of Sikh preacher Ranjit Singh Dhadrianwale over allegations of misinterpreting the Gurbani (hymns in the Guru Granth Sahib), after he pledged to abide by Sikh principles and traditions. The five high priests accepted Dhadrianwale's apology letter while allowing him to preach Sikhism solely in the light of maintaining the sanctity of Gurmat and the Sikh code of conduct (Rehat Maryada). The officiating Jathedar of Akal Takht, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, questioned Dhadrianwale from the podium (faseel) of the Akal Takht regarding his controversial remarks on Sikh principles. Dhadrianwale humbly acknowledged his mistakes and expressed his desire to work within the mainstream of the Khalsa Panth, preaching Sikhism under the umbrella of the Akal Takht. Earlier in the day, Dhadrianwale submitted a formal apology to the five high priests, clarifying his stance on previous allegations of distorting Sikh principles in his discourses. As a symbolic gesture of acceptance, Gargaj ordered Dhadrianwale to offer a 'deg' worth ₹501 at the Akal Takht, a traditional act signifying humility and reconciliation. On April 22, Gargaj had extended an open invitation to Dhadrianwale and other Sikh preachers to appear before the Akal Takht, clarify past controversies, and rejoin the mainstream of Sikh preaching. In response, Dhadrianwale claimed that his statements were morphed and politically influenced, hinting at his willingness to clarify matters and join the Sikh propagation campaign being initiated by Gargaj. The five high priests included Akal Takht officiating Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, Golden Temple granthi Giani Rajdeep Singh, Takht Sri Damdama Sahib Jathedar Baba Tek Singh, Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib head granthi Joginder Singh, and Akal Takht's granthi Giani Gurbakshish Singh. Dhadrianwale, who is considered to be the arch-rival of Damdami Taksal head Harnam Singh Dhuma, appeared before the five Sikh high priests at the Akal Takht today and sought forgiveness for his mistakes. Last week, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) tasked with looking into a rape-murder case in Patiala had recommended that the FIR against Dhadrianwale, registered in December last year, be cancelled, as it could not find anything to substantiate the allegations. The lifting of the ban against Dhadrianwale comes at a time when Dhuma has turned against the Shiromani Akali Dal and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC). Dhuma wants the SGPC to remove acting Jathedar of Akal Takht, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj. He is now reportedly close to the BJP, especially since the SAD snapped political ties with its long-time ally. A five-member committee was constituted by the Akal Takht in 2019 to probe the allegations against Dhadrianwale for allegedly misinterpreting the Gurbani and insulting Sikh customs. On August 24, 2020, the Akal Takht asked the Sikh community to maintain distance from Dhadrianwale until he issued a clarification on the allegations and apologised for them.
Hindustan Times
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Maharaja Ranjit Singh's death anniv: Uncertainty over Sikh pilgrims' visit to Pak
Amritsar : Uncertainty looms over the visit of 500 Sikh pilgrims to Pakistan for the death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh — to be observed on June 30 — following heightened tensions between India and Pakistan in the aftermath of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. According to a pact between the two nations, 500 pilgrims are allowed to visit Pakistan on the death anniversary of the Maharaja. The SGPC quota is 300, while 200 pilgrims are sent by other Sikh bodies. After the Pahalgam terror attack, the Union government imposed restrictions on Indian citizens travelling to Pakistan through the Attari-Wagah border and suspended all types of visas, with certain exemptions. In response, Pakistan canceled all visas under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) issued to Indian nationals — except for Sikh religious pilgrims. A statement issued by Pakistani authorities instructed Indian nationals in Pakistan under SVES to leave the country, excluding Sikh pilgrims. Palwinder Singh, in-charge of SGPC's pilgrimage department, confirmed that 326 names have been submitted for visa processing. 'We have prepared and sent the lists to the Punjab government and other authorities. The pilgrims can travel only if the Union government grants permission,' he stated. As per the Nehru-Liaquat Pact signed in 1950, Sikh pilgrims are allowed to visit shrines in Pakistan on four key religious occasions, including the martyrdom day of Guru Arjan Dev, birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, foundation day of Khalsa Panth (Baisakhi) and the death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Sikh bodies not to send jatha on Guru Arjan's martyrdom day However, Sikh bodies such as the Khalra Mission Committee, Nankana Sahib Foundation and the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (HSGMC) have decided not to send jatha on martyrdom day of the fifth master Guru Arjan Dev, which falls on June 16, to Pakistan. Jagjit Singh Bhullar, president of the Bhai Mardana Yadgari Kirtan Darbar Society in Ferozepur, said: 'I have coordinated with all Sikh bodies except the SGPC and decided not to send the jatha on Guru Arjan Dev's martyrdom day because of the tense situation at the border. Also, we don't expect the Indian government to grant travel permission.' Due to a dispute over the Nanakshahi calendar, the SGPC observes Guru Arjan Dev's martyrdom day on May 30, based on its amended version, and does not organise pilgrimages for the June 16 date followed by other bodies. Despite the current diplomatic strain, Pakistan's Punjab minister for minorities affairs and Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) president Ramesh Singh Arora had earlier confirmed that visa arrangements were being made for Indian pilgrims planning to visit for Guru Arjan Dev's martyrdom observance at Gurdwara Dehra Sahib in Lahore. Just days before the Pahalgam attack, nearly 5,800 Indian pilgrims returned from Pakistan after celebrating Baisakhi in April — the largest Sikh jatha to visit Pakistan since Partition, with nearly 7,000 visas issued.
Time of India
21-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Akal Takht reaches out to Dhadrianwale, other preachers to counter conversions
Amritsar/Jalandhar: Akal Takht acting Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj has invited Sikh preacher Ranjit Singh Dhadrianwale and other prominent preachers, whose cases are pending with the Takht. The invitation, explained Giani Gargaj, was aimed at countering religious conversions and to foster cohesion within the Khalsa Panth. Dhadrianwale is under a religious boycott currently based on a hukamnama (edict) issued by the Akal Takht. Dhadrianwale, once the most influential Sikh preacher, would attract thousands to his congregations till an attempt was made on his life in May 2016, in which a fellow preacher was killed. It came out that he was attacked by Damdami Taksal followers amid bitter statements between him and the Taksal chief Baba Harnam Singh Dhumma. Later, Taksal and a few others took exception to his interpretation of Gurbani and Sikh history and complained to the Akal Takht, after which a directive was issued against his congregations, and he then confined his preaching to his dera near Patiala. He still attracts thousands to his congregations. However, there has been a strong feeling in the Sikh circles that unshackling him after reconciliation can help counter conversions by self-styled Christian pastors, which have become a huge concern in the community. The jathedar emphasised that the Akal Takht's doors remained open to those willing to return with humility and align themselves with the teachings and principles of the Sikh Gurus. "If they wish to work within the mainstream of the Khalsa Panth and preach Sikhi, they are welcome — provided they come with a spirit of humility and surrender," he added. This development comes at a time when the Sikh leadership is facing mounting pressure to navigate internal rifts and preserve doctrinal integrity amid numerous challenges. Jagir Kaur's attendance sparks row Interestingly, former Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Bibi Jagir Kaur has come under scrutiny for attending an event organised by Dhadrianwale at Nadala village on Saturday. BJP leader Sarchand Singh Khiala, who was formerly associated with the Taksal, has submitted a letter to the jathedar, urging that Jagir Kaur be summoned to answer the charges of violating the Akal Takht hukamnama and called for appropriate action in line with the Panthic tradition. Key gathering on May 2 Giani Gargaj also announced a special gathering under the patronage of the Akal Takht, scheduled for May 2 to focus on growing concerns around films and animated content depicting Sikh Gurus, their families, historical warriors, and Sikh history at large. He noted that the Sikh community raises objections frequently to how these sensitive subjects are portrayed, often leading to widespread discontent and emotional distress across the Panth. "The Akal Takht receives constant appeals from the Sangat to take concrete steps on these issues," he said. "Given their sensitive nature, they warrant serious and collective contemplation." All Sikh organisations, sects (sampradas), institutions, and scholars involved in Sikh affairs have been urged to participate and share their input at the May 2 assembly.
