Amritsar/Chandigarj, 15 October, 2024: The Akal Takht took strict action against Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Virsa Singh Valtoha, directing the party’s acting president Balwinder Singh Bhundar to expel Valtoha for 10 years within 24 hours.
This move comes after Valtoha made allegations against the Sikh clergy, claiming they were under pressure from the central government, BJP, RSS, and overseas Sikhs regarding the declaration of SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal as tankhaiya (guilty of religious misconduct).
Valtoha had been summoned to provide evidence for his claims, which he failed to do, leading the clergy to find him guilty of character assassination.
“Valtoha could not produce any evidence to back his accusations,” the Akal Takht stated.
The edict further criticized Valtoha for betraying the Akal Takht Jathedar’s trust by secretly recording a conversation under false pretenses.
The clergy noted, “He visited the Jathedar under the guise of concern for his health, only to later use the meeting for political purposes.”
Despite Valtoha’s apology, the Sikh clergy stressed the damage his statements had caused.
“His media statements have hurt the dignity of the Akal Takht,” the edict read.
It warned of further action if Valtoha continued his behavior.
Valtoha had shared a Facebook post earlier, questioning the delay in the clergy’s decision regarding Sukhbir Singh Badal’s punishment.
He alleged, “There is pressure on the Jathedars to make SAD leaderless, with influence from the Union government, BJP, and RSS, along with foreign Sikhs opposed to SAD. This is deeply concerning.” The Akal Takht’s decision now sets the stage for Valtoha’s removal from the party.
The Akal Takht is the highest temporal seat of authority in Sikhism, serving as a central institution for decision-making on religious, political, and social matters related to the Sikh community. Located within the Golden Temple complex in Amritsar, Punjab, it was established in 1606 by Guru Hargobind, the sixth Sikh Guru, to represent the sovereign authority of the Sikhs.
The clergy plays a crucial role in interpreting Sikh laws and codes of conduct, issuing edicts (called hukamnamas) on important matters, and addressing issues of religious misconduct within the community. The head of the Akal Takht, known as the Jathedar, along with other senior Sikh clergy, oversees its functioning.
