Chandigarh/Amritsar, March 8 — Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday criticized the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) for removing two Jathedars, calling it an act of “badlakhori” (vengeance).
The SGPC, which manages Sikh gurdwaras, dismissed Giani Raghbir Singh as Jathedar of Akal Takht and Giani Sultan Singh as Jathedar of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib.
Sikh scholar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gadgaj was appointed as the new Jathedar of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib and will also serve as acting Jathedar of the Akal Takht until a permanent appointment is made.
Reacting to the decision, Mann said religious matters should not be dictated by politics. “What should happen is that politics learns from religion, but instead, politics is teaching religion,” he said while addressing reporters at an event to send school principals for training in Singapore.
Mann Criticizes SAD’s Role in Jathedar Dismissals
Mann directly targeted Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leaders, including Sukhbir Singh Badal, questioning their role in the removals.
“You accepted all your mistakes and even undertook ‘tankhah’ (religious punishment). Now you say you will remove the Jathedars? This seems like vengeance,” he remarked.
His reference was to the Akal Takht’s December 2 edict, which imposed religious punishment on SAD leaders, including Badal, for their party’s actions between 2007 and 2017. Giani Raghbir Singh and Giani Sultan Singh were among the five Sikh clergy members who had issued that ruling.
Giani Harpreet Singh, another of the five, was also removed from his position as Jathedar of Takht Sri Damdama Sahib on February 10.
The SGPC justified Giani Raghbir Singh’s dismissal by citing his “inadequate leadership” and “inconsistent approach” in guiding the Sikh community. However, his removal, along with that of Giani Sultan Singh, sparked criticism.
Giani Harpreet Singh condemned the move, calling it a “black day” for Sikhs. Political leaders also raised concerns, saying certain figures were using the Akal Takht for political motives.
Mann reiterated the need for fresh SGPC elections, signaling that political interference in religious affairs remains a pressing issue.
Read More: SGPC Removes Akal Takht, Keshgarh Sahib Jathedars
