Latest news with #ShiromaniGurdwaraParbandhakCommittee
Time of India
a day ago
- Politics
- Time of India
SGPC team to meet Damdami Taksal chief Baba Harnam Singh Dhumma, seminary adamant
Amritsar: Damdami Taksal, Chowk Mehta, is sticking to its stance of not letting the officiating jathedar of Akal Takht, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, to deliver a message on the 41st Operation Bluestar anniversary on June 6, despite the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) announcing a meeting with the Sikh seminary's chief, Baba Harnam Singh Dhumma, on June 2. "We welcome the SGPC's delegation to meet and discuss, but we stand by our decision of preventing Giani Gargaj from delivering the message to the quom on Ghallughara Diwas on June 6," Avtar Singh Buttar, a senior sewadar of Damdami Taksal, said on Sunday. A day after Damdami Taksal asked SGPC to stop Gargaj from delivering the message from the rostrum of Akal Takht, SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami said he would lead a delegation to meet Baba Harnam Singh on June 2 to prevent any kind of confrontation during the event. Dhami conceded he was concerned about the situation, but expressed confidence in finding a solution. The taksal's objection centres on the legitimacy of Gargaj's appointment and authority as the officiating jathedar of the Akal Takht. After taksal's warning and before the SGPC's decision to send a delegation to meet Dhumma, Gargaj, in a release issued from the Akal Takht secretariat, appealed to the Sikh community to commemorate the 'Shaheedi Hafta (martyrdom week)' of June 1984 event with the spirit of "panthic" (Sikh community) unity and pay homage to those killed during Operation Bluestar. Avtar Singh Buttar said the SGPC could consider asking another Sikh religious leader, such as one of the other high priests, a head granthi, or a widely respected Sikh personality, to deliver the message instead. He said Damdami Taksal remained firm in its decision. If Gargaj delivers the address from the Akal Takht rostrum on June 6, the taksal, along with the entire Sant Samaj, various Sikh sects, Sikh federations, Nihang Singh organisations, and the broader Sikh Panth, will strongly oppose the move, he added.
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Punjab: Don't mislead people for vested interests: CM to Akalis, farm bodies
Chief minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday accused Akali leaders and farmer unions of misleading the public by spreading false narratives to secure their personal and political interests. He also charged office-bearers of certain farmer unions with illegally amassing wealth and investing in hotels and hospitals across the state. Speaking during the 'Sarkar Tuhade Dwar' programme in Bathinda, where he interacted with local panchayat members, Mann said that farmer unions and farmers are distinct entities. 'These unions have opened shops in the name of securing farmers' interests,' Mann said, according to a statement issued by his office. However, the statement did not specify which farmer unions or leaders the CM was referring to. The event, held at a private resort in Bathinda, focused on issues related to Punjab's agrarian crisis. However, the media was barred from covering the event. Mann also criticised farmer unions for their lack of action on important issues such as the water-sharing dispute with Haryana. He pointed out that the unions have been involved in organising road and rail blockades over trivial matters while remaining silent on major issues impacting the state's agriculture. 'Not once did the farmer unions issue a statement on the water-sharing controversy. They are more focused on their personal interests than the real issues affecting farmers,' Mann stated. He also claimed that some union leaders collect fees from farmers under the pretence of securing their rights but are more concerned with their own financial gains. The CM further accused the leaders of certain farmer unions of illegally acquiring vast properties in the state, including investments in hotels and hospitals. He stated that these leaders are using their positions for personal enrichment rather than working for the welfare of the farming community. Mann also lashed out at Akali leaders, accusing them of exploiting religious institutions such as the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and Akal Takht for political gains. He alleged that the Akali Dal twists religious directives to suit their own agenda, deceiving the public in the process. 'Now we see that Virsa Singh Valtoha, a former MLA, is being re-inducted into the Akali Dal, and the Faqr-e-Qaum title will be reinstated to former chief minister Parkash Singh Badal. This is a clear indication of how the Akali leadership continues to misuse religious platforms for political advantage,' Mann said.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
SGPC committee criticises Patna Sahib resolution challenging Akal Takht authority
Amritsar: Members of the committee constituted by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) to resolve the ongoing issue concerning Takht Sri Harmandir Ji Patna Sahib have called a recent resolution passed by the Patna Sahib Management Committee — challenging a decision of Akal Takht — unprincipled and against Sikh tenets. A release issued by SGPC here on Wednesday informed that the senior vice-president of SGPC Raghujit Singh Virk, along with committee members Gurcharan Singh Grewal and Gurbachan Singh Karmuwala, said that as per Sikh Rehat Maryada, Akal Takht has the supreme authority among other Takhts and has full jurisdiction to adjudicate appeals and decisions on religious matters across Sikh institutions. The leaders pointed out that Article 79 of the Constitution and by-laws of Takht Sri Harmandir Ji Patna Sahib also affirms the authority of Akal Takht in religious affairs, and its decisions are considered final and binding in the Sikh tradition. They added that the resolution passed by the Patna Sahib Committee seems to be a direct challenge to the supremacy of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, which is not a cordial approach. While acknowledging that the Patna Sahib committee may have acted in haste, the SGPC leaders reaffirmed that their delegation will still visit Patna Sahib and work toward a resolution through dialogue and mutual respect. MSID: 121468120 413 |
New Indian Express
25-05-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Waqf Act aimed at grabbing Muslim properties, Sikhs could be next target: Punjab Congress chief Warring
CHANDIGARH: Punjab Congress president and Member of Parliament from Ludhiana, Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, on Saturday alleged that the BJP government at the Centre had hatched a major conspiracy to seize 44 lakh acres of Muslim land by bringing in the Waqf Act. He further claimed that after targeting Muslims, the saffron party's next focus could be the Sikh community, and similar actions could be taken against the properties of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC). Addressing the 'Samvidhan Bachao Sabha' at Malerkotla, Warring alleged that the BJP had created an atmosphere of fear among Muslims across the country. Asserting that the BJP was against Muslims, he pointed out that of the 240 MPs the BJP had in the Lok Sabha, not one of them was a Muslim. He expressed confidence that the BJP and the RSS would not be allowed to succeed in Punjab, a state where people live in harmony. 'There are places in Punjab where the Sikh community has provided land for mosques and graveyards for the Muslim brethren,' he said. He further alleged that the BJP government at the Centre and the AAP government in the state were undermining the Constitution by muzzling the voice of the opposition. He pointed out how the BJP was using central investigating agencies like the ED, the CBI and the Income Tax Department against political opponents.
Hindustan Times
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
SGPC accuses Punjab government of ‘altering Golden Temple' image in an ad
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president, Harjinder Singh Dhami, on Saturday condemned the Punjab government for altering the image of Harmandar Sahib (Golden Temple) through computer-generated techniques in an advertisement issued to solicit suggestions regarding upcoming centenary commemorations. 'This act by the government is a serious affront to Sikh sentiments. Before publishing any image related to the Sikh faith, the government should have consulted the SGPC,' Dhami said, adding that Harmandar Sahib is the spiritual centre of Sikh devotion. Also Read | After Rajoana's objection, SGPC puts decision on Manmohan's portrait on hold The SGPC chief further stated that despite hundreds of authentic images of Harmandar Sahib being available on the internet, the government's decision to distort one through digital manipulation is deeply painful. Also Read | Akal Takht pardons Sikh preacher Dhadrianwale 'The government should issue a clear explanation and offer an immediate apology,' he said and clarified that organising centenary events is the responsibility of the Sikh body, the SGPC. 'The government's role is to support development in cities associated with the gurus, improve infrastructure, and collaborate with the SGPC to appropriately establish commemorative memorials.'
