Chandigarh, April 9: Punjab Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains on Thursday launched a sharp critique of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief Sukhbir Singh Badal, asserting that recent comments made by the Akali leader undermine the authority of Sri Akal Takht Sahib. Bains maintained that questioning the edicts of the Panth’s highest temporal seat constitutes a direct insult to the sentiments of the Sikh community.
The controversy stems from remarks attributed to Badal regarding the December 2, 2024, orders issued by the Takht. Bains stated that suggesting “agencies” influenced the decisions of Sri Akal Takht Sahib is disgraceful and forfeits a leader’s claim to represent the Panth. “Sri Akal Takht Sahib is the ultimate seat of spiritual and temporal authority; every edict issued from there is a divine order and cannot be questioned,” the Minister affirmed. He further appealed to acting Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj to take formal notice of the matter.
In addition to religious concerns, Bains addressed the stalling of the Sri Anandpur Sahib Heritage Street project. He maintained that the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) altered 90 percent of the original design to deny credit to the CM Bhagwant Singh Mann-led government. Bains noted that the project, which included plans for a corridor, lifts, and stairs to assist elderly pilgrims, was vetted but later derailed by political interference.
Despite the setback, the Minister stated that the government would proceed with work from Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib to Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib as per the religious body’s final say. Bains asserted that while the government accepts the decision, the public will remember who blocked a project of such deep cultural significance.
