Sri Anandpur Sahib, March 15 — A Panthic gathering led by Damdami Taksal in Sri Anandpur Sahib on Friday unanimously rejected the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee’s (SGPC) newly appointed Takht Jathedars, calling for their removal and the reinstatement of those dismissed.
Held at Gurdwara Gurdarshan Prakash, the congregation, attended by various Sikh organizations, Sant Samaj leaders, and Nihang Singh factions, condemned the SGPC’s executive decision as arbitrary and inconsistent with Sikh traditions. Six resolutions were passed, including the rejection of Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj and Baba Tek Singh Dhanaula as Jathedars and a demand to reinstate Giani Raghbir Singh, Giani Sultan Singh, and Giani Harpreet Singh.
“The executive committee must correct its mistake,” said Baba Harnam Singh Khalsa “Dhuma,” head of Damdami Taksal. He was nominated to lead the Sant Samaj, Sikh sampradayas, and jathebandis in guiding the Panth forward.
The controversy began on March 7 when the SGPC appointed Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj as Jathedar of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, also giving him acting charge of the Akal Takht. Giani Raghbir Singh and Giani Sultan Singh were removed, while Baba Tek Singh Dhanaula was appointed Jathedar of Takht Sri Damdama Sahib following the earlier dismissal of Giani Harpreet Singh.
Panthic leaders condemned the manner in which Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj assumed office, alleging the ceremony lacked representation from traditional Sikh bodies. They also stressed the need for clear norms on the appointment, jurisdiction, and removal of Jathedars, urging Sikh devotees to pressure SGPC members into reversing their decision.
“If the executive body does not act by March 17, we will escalate matters at the March 28 budget meeting,” a leader warned. Another resolution called on the global Sikh community to boycott the SGPC’s decision.
