SGPC Backs Akal Takht’s Stance Against Punjab CM, Plans Major Gathering on July 5

NEW DELHI: The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has expressed its strong support for the Akal Takht Sahib’s recent proclamation, labeling Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann as ‘Guru Dokhi’ (anti-Gur) and ‘Khalsa Panth Virodhi’ (anti-Khalsa Panth). This was announced alongside a significant Panthic gathering planned for 5 July to rally support for this directive and to initiate legal proceedings against the Aam Aadmi Party leader.

The decision emerged from a special general meeting of the SGPC convened at Teja Singh Samundri Hall in Amritsar. The meeting was attended by prominent Sikh religious leaders, jathedars, representatives of the five Takhts, and granthis affiliated with Sri Harmandar Sahib. SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami presided over this assembly.

In light of the Akal Takht’s declaration, the SGPC resolved to pursue legal action including filing a police case against Mann, asserting that he lacks the moral authority to serve as the chief minister of Punjab.

Furthermore, a major Panthic gathering is scheduled at Gurdwara Manji Sahib Diwan Hall on 5 July. This event aims to inform the Sikh community about the directives from Sri Akal Takht Sahib. The SGPC plans to initiate extensive campaigns across every Assembly constituency and mobilize preaching groups to encourage Sikhs to adhere to the directive.

Akal Takht jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj emphasized that the Akal Takht Sahib holds the highest authority for Sikhs and that compliance with its directives is a fundamental duty for every Sikh.

Gargajj criticized Mann’s challenge to the Akal Takht, describing it as a severe affront to the institution. He accused various governments of attempting to gain undue control over Sikh institutions and called for unity within the Panth.

In his statements, Dhami argued that the Punjab government’s agenda is designed to undermine Panthic institutions. Additionally, the SGPC passed a resolution indicating that a controversial video associated with the chief minister has sparked significant unrest among Sikhs.

“Instead of recognizing his error before Akal Takht Sahib, the CM continues to make erroneous statements, showing disrespect towards the highest Sikh authority,” stated the resolution.

The resolution affirmed that Akal Takht Sahib, established by Guru Hargobind Sahib, is the supreme religious and Panthic authority for Sikhs. It underscored the importance of respecting its directives as a collective duty of the Sikh community.

This controversy traces back to an edict from Akal Takht on 15 June, which branded Mann as ‘Guru Dokhi’ and ‘Khalsa Panth Virodhi’ after forensic analysis confirmed a video purportedly showing Mann engaging in activities deemed sacrilegious.

The situation escalated earlier this year when the Akal Takht summoned Mann in January regarding his alleged comments on ‘Guru ki Golak’ (the gurdwara donation box) and his involvement in “objectionable activities” linked to images of Sikh Gurus and the slain militant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, depicted in the controversial video clip.

Throughout this ordeal, Mann has consistently denied the allegations, maintaining that he is not the person shown in the video and asserting that the individual featured was wearing a mask that resembled his face.