Amritsar, 17 October, 2024: Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami on Thursday turned down the resignation of Takht Damdama Sahib jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh who tendered his resigned on Wednesday, citing threats and attempts to tarnish his reputation by former Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Virsa Singh Valtoha.
Giani Harpreet Singh stated, “I have urged SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami to accept my resignation, as I can no longer shoulder the responsibility of this coveted post under such pressure.” In response to the resignation, Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh instructed Dhami not to accept it, warning that this move could prompt all jathedars to resign. “If the SGPC accepts his resignation, all jathedars, including me, will resign,” he emphasized.
The resignation follows a day after a panel of five high priests, including Giani Harpreet Singh, ordered Valtoha’s expulsion from the SAD, accusing him of undermining the credibility of the Takht jathedars. Valtoha has accused 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).
In a related development, SAD working president Balwinder Singh Bhunder confirmed Valtoha’s expulsion from the party for a decade.
Expressing deep concern, Giani Harpreet Singh conveyed that he is withdrawing his security and perks from both the Centre and the Punjab Government. “I will lead the life of a humble Sikh. I have no resources to afford security. I have requested both governments to withdraw my security and vehicles,” he said.
Declining the resignation, Dhami said, “The SGPC has followed the edicts and guidelines of the Panj Singh Sahiban (jathedars of Takhts) who lead the community. They have been given due respect and that will remain intact”. Describing the recent developments as “community crisis”, he said, “The services of Giani Harpreet Singh as jathedar of Takht Damdama Sahib and acting jathedar of Akal Takht have been commendable. We give him due respect. So, I decline his resignation. I have conveyed this to him over phone.”
