SGPC President Dhami Steps Down Amidst Akal Takht Tensions
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Synopsis
SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami has resigned amidst tensions between the Akal Takht and the Shiromani Akali Dal, citing respect for the Jathedar. His resignation is viewed as a significant setback for the Akali Dal amid ongoing criticism and internal disputes.
Key Takeaways
- Dhami resigned in respect to Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh.
- The resignation may impact the Akali Dal’s influence.
- Giani Harpreet Singh was removed amid allegations of misconduct.
- SGPC operates as a mini-parliament for Sikh affairs.
- Three SGPC members protested the decision, claiming political motivation.
Amritsar, Feb 17 (NationPress) In the midst of the ongoing conflict between the Akal Takht, the highest spiritual authority of Sikhs, and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), Harjinder Singh Dhami, President of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbhandak Committee (SGPC), announced his resignation on Monday.
Dhami stated that his resignation was a gesture of respect towards Akal Takht Jathedar, Giani Raghbir Singh. Known for his close ties with the Badal family, Dhami has also requested to step down from the seven-member committee formed by the Jathedar in December for the reorganization of the Akali Dal.
Facing criticism from the Jathedar for the dismissal of Giani Harpreet Singh as the Jathedar of Takht Damdama Sahib, Dhami noted that the acting President of the Akali Dal, Balwinder Singh Bhundar, has yet to appear before the committee.
Dhami's resignation is perceived as a setback for the Akali Dal, which had exerted pressure on the SGPC to remove Giani Harpreet Singh, who played a crucial role in last year’s decree from the Sikh clergy that imposed tankhah (religious punishment) on Sukhbir Badal and other party leaders.
While the Akal Takht is regarded as the supreme temporal authority for Sikhs, the SGPC functions as a mini-parliament for Sikh affairs.
In a clarification regarding a Facebook statement from Jathedar Raghbir Singh on February 13 about Giani Harpreet Singh's termination, Dhami labeled the dismissal as highly condemnable and unfortunate.
“In light of Giani Raghbir Singh’s statement, I assume moral responsibility for the decision and resign from my position at SGPC immediately,” Dhami stated. He further urged the Singh Sahib (Giani Raghbir Singh) to relieve him of his role on the seven-member committee, citing serious circumstances for the Panth (Sikh community) and concerns over government attempts to undermine Sikh organizations.
On February 10, acting on a complaint, the SGPC determined that Giani Harpreet Singh was guilty of misconduct, resulting in his termination during an executive meeting in Amritsar.
Dhami, who led the meeting, did not comment on Giani Harpreet Singh's dismissal, which saw the head granthi of Takht Damdama Sahib, Giani Jagtar Singh, take over his responsibilities.
SGPC Secretary Partap Singh explained that Giani Harpreet Singh's termination stemmed from a complaint made by Gurpreet Singh, a resident of Muktsar Sahib, on December 16, which alleged misconduct. During the meeting, three SGPC executive members—Paramjit Singh Raipur, Jaswant Singh Purain, and Amrik Singh—walked out in protest, alleging that the decision was politically motivated.
