Rahul Gandhi Visits Darbar Sahib; SGPC Attacks, Sikh Scholars Support; Voter Rolls for SGPC Elections to Start 21 Oct

On 1-2 Oct, Rahul Gandhi visited the Darbar Sahib (“Golden Temple”) as an ordinary pilgrim. On the first evening he performed seva by offering water to devotees, listened to the Shabad Kirtan and took part in the traditional ritual of palki seva. The next day, Gandhi sat with women devotees as he peeled vegetables. He served rotis to the visiting devotees. In the evening, he performed seva at the joda ghar. The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) said it extended all cooperation to Gandhi during his visit but raked up 1984 and his grandmother former PM Indira Gandhi. The SGPC General Secretary said, 'There can be no repentance or healing touch until the questions are not answered.' Many Sikh scholars welcomed the visit upholding the fact that it is not in Sikh principles to blame someone for the deeds of their parents or family and a devotee has the right to enjoy the hospitality of that institution of the Guru. The timing of the visit – when Sikhs are under pressure in India over Canada’s accusations – is being appreciated because Gandhi did not make any political statement. Meanwhile, Panjab CM has announced the process of updating the electoral rolls for the SGPC general house elections to start on 21 Oct. No date for the elections has been announced.