New Delhi: The recent developments surrounding the removal of Giani Raghbir Singh, Jathedar of Akal Takht, and Giani Sultan Singh, Jathedar of Takht Kesgarh Sahib, from their esteemed positions have sparked widespread speculation.
Both leaders have been reassigned to their original roles as Head Granthi and Granthi of Harmandir Sahib, respectively, marking a significant shift in their positions. This move is widely seen as a strategic maneuver by the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) to achieve multiple objectives simultaneously.
On one hand, it appears aimed at paving the way for the return of Harjinder Singh Dhami as President of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), despite his repeated claims of not withdrawing his resignation. On the other hand, the decision seems intended to suppress opposition voices calling for Sikh community enrollment exclusively through the seven-member committee, now reduced to five members, established by Akal Takht on December 2, 2024.
The removal of the Jathedars began with the decision to dismiss Giani Harpreet Singh, the former Jathedar of Takht Damdama Sahib, on February 10, based on a report by a subcommittee of the SGPC’s Executive Committee (EC) investigating allegations against him. The controversy surrounding his removal ignited a storm of criticism within the Sikh community, leading SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami to submit his resignation on February 17, taking moral responsibility for the decision.
Despite a stern warning from the SAD-backed SGPC, Giani Raghbir Singh continued to support the Sikh high priests' decision regarding enrollment through the seven-member committee, even as the SAD’s working committee was nearing the completion of its own enrollment drive. This stance, perceived as a direct challenge to the SAD’s leadership, deepened the rift between the Sikh high priests and the political party.
The Sikh high priests’ decision to expel SAD leader Virsa Singh Valtoha from the party for ten years further strained relations. Giani Raghbir Singh’s recent foreign visit, where he met with several Sikh leaders believed to be opposed to the Badal-led SAD, was closely scrutinized and added to the growing divide between him and the SAD leadership.
Following the Executive Committee’s decision to relieve Giani Raghbir Singh and Giani Sultan Singh from their positions, Giani Harpreet Singh, the dismissed Jathedar of Takht Damdama Sahib, expressed outrage. He described the decision as a "black day" for the Sikh community, accusing the removal of the Jathedars and the alleged character assassination of himself as a result of the December 2 Akal Takht directives, which all of the involved parties had signed.
Harpreet Singh further emphasized that March 7 would be remembered as one of the darkest days in Sikh history. Without naming specific individuals, he suggested that those responsible for misusing the sanctity of the Gurudwara had been banished.
It is noteworthy that Giani Raghbir Singh, Giani Harpreet Singh, and Giani Sultan Singh were signatories of the December 2, 2024, Akal Takht directives, in their roles as Jathedar of Akal Takht, Jathedar of Takht Damdama Sahib, and Jathedar of Takht Kesgarh Sahib, respectively, alongside Giani Baljit Singh and Giani Gurminder Singh, both Granth of Harmandir Sahib. While Giani Harpreet Singh was dismissed, Giani Raghbir Singh and Giani Sultan Singh have now been relieved of their duties as Jathedar and Officiating Jathedar.
Jaswant Singh Parain, an opposition member of the EC, along with other members, Amrik Singh Vichoya and Paramjit Singh, opposed the decision in writing during the EC meeting.
As for Harjinder Singh Dhami’s resignation, the SGPC Executive Committee made no decision regarding it. Although there was speculation that the issue would be addressed during the March 7 meeting, rumors suggested that efforts were still ongoing to persuade Giani Raghbir Singh to soften his stance in support of the seven-member committee. Ultimately, the EC chose not to make a decision on Dhami’s resignation and instead relieved Giani Raghbir Singh of his position as Jathedar of Akal Takht. This has fueled speculation that efforts are underway to reinstate Dhami as SGPC President, now that the person who originally raised objections is no longer in the same position.