Amritsar, March 10 — Former Akal Takht jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh on Sunday criticized his recent removal, stating that the decision was not in the interests of Sikh institutions. “Condemnation of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and resignations by Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leaders is a natural phenomenon,” he told reporters.
His remarks came two days after the SGPC executive committee terminated his services as Akal Takht jathedar, along with Giani Sultan Singh as jathedar of Takht Kesgarh Sahib.
Their removal followed the December 2 Akal Takht hukamnama (edict) that called for reorganizing SAD with new leadership, accepting Sukhbir Singh Badal’s resignation as party chief, and revoking the Panth Rattan Fakhr-e-Qaum title awarded to SAD patriarch and five-time Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal.
The decision has sparked internal dissent within SAD, with senior leader Bikram Singh Majithia and others—Sharanjit Singh Dhillon, Lakhbir Singh Lodhinangal, Jodh Singh Samra, Ramandeep Singh Sandhu, and Simranjit Singh Dhillon—publicly opposing the move.
Besides, members of SAD’s Haryana unit, led by president Sharanjit Singh Sahota, have resigned, along with party general secretary Sarabjot Singh Sabi.
Giani Raghbir Singh defended the resignations, stating that those who understand the “maryada of Takht” were reacting in frustration. “Respect for institutions and positions must be upheld at all costs. Such incidents naturally trigger outrage among Sikhs who revere Guru and tradition,” he said.
He further noted that Sikhs hold the Golden Temple and Akal Takht in the highest regard and follow the decrees issued from these sacred sites. “When such decisions are made, they leave the Sikh community deeply saddened,” he added.
