Dhami Rescinds Resignation as SGPC Leader
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Synopsis
On March 18, 2023, SGPC chief Harjinder Singh Dhami withdrew his resignation after appeals from SAD leaders, recognizing the need for his leadership within the Sikh community. This comes amid rising tensions and challenges facing the community and its institutions.
Key Takeaways
- Harjinder Singh Dhami rescinded his resignation as SGPC chief.
- Senior SAD leaders appealed for his continued leadership.
- Dhami praised for his contributions to the Sikh community.
- Concerns raised about internal threats to Sikh institutions.
- Dhami will resume his duties in the coming days.
Chandigarh, March 18 (NationPress) Responding positively to the appeal from Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) Working President Balwinder Singh Bhundar and former party leader Sukhbir Singh Badal, the chief of Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), Harjinder Singh Dhami, on Tuesday announced the withdrawal of his resignation from his position.
Senior party figures, including former minister Janmeja Singh Sekhon, visited Dhami's home in Hoshiarpur to persuade him to resume his duties as SGPC President after the SGPC's executive committee had rejected his resignation.
Dhami confirmed he would assume the role of SGPC President in the upcoming days.
In a media interaction, Bhundar praised Dhami as a highly capable, honest, and religious individual, noting his significant contributions and sacrifices for the ‘panth’ (spiritual path).
"We appealed to Mr. Dhami that both the SGPC and SAD require his spiritual guidance at this critical time and urged him to retract his resignation as SGPC President," he stated.
Sukhbir Badal expressed gratitude to Dhami for his decision to stay on, highlighting that he had honored the feelings of the entire Sikh community. He emphasized that the Sikh 'qaum' is facing challenges on numerous fronts, stating: "At this moment, it is crucial to strengthen our ‘gurughar’ and our Takhts."
Badal pointed out a conspiracy to undermine the Sikh community from within, indicating attempts to gain control over the Hazur Sahib, Patna Sahib, and Delhi Gurdwara Management Committees, along with the formation of a separate committee for Haryana. He urged the community to identify its genuine adversaries and unite to protect the integrity of Sikh institutions and the Akali Dal.
Last month, a delegation from the Akali Dal visited Dhami to persuade him to remain as the SGPC President. After experiencing criticism from the then Akal Takht Jathedar (high priest) for dismissing Giani Harpreet Singh as the Jathedar of Takht Damdama Sahib, Dhami had resigned from his position amid rising tensions between the Akal Takht, the supreme authority of Sikhs, and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD).
