On 2 Dec, the Akal Takht (Eternal Throne; AT) had instructed SAD to accept their president Sukhbir Singh Badal’s and other members’ resignation within three days (SDW Vol 2, Issue 49, Story 2). The deadline was later extended to 20 days. The extended deadline has also passed but SAD has still not accepted the resignations. SAD’s dilemma is if it obeys the AT’s directive, it risks being seen as a political party based on religious lines and being derecognized by the Election Commission of India. On 22 Dec, SAD leaders including the party’s working president Balwinder Singh Bhundar, attended a closed-door meeting with AT Jathedar (leader) Raghbir Singh and Takht Sri Kesgarh SahibJathedar Sultan Singh at Charan Kanwal Sahib Gurdwara in Machhiwara, Panjab. SAD will submit a reply explaining the legal points on 27 Dec after the conclusion of the Shahidi Jor Mela (Martyr’s Gathering). Meanwhile, on 19 Dec, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) suspended Jathedar of Takht Damadama Sahib, Giani Harpreet Singh, on the basis of a complaint by his own relative, Gurpreet Singh, over a personal matter. The SGPC has formed a three-member committee to look into the allegations. The decisions were taken at SGPC’s executive committee at Gurdwara Degsar Sahib Katana in Ludhiana under the leadership of SGPC president, Harjinder Singh Dhami. Two members of the executive committee, Jaswant Singh Purain and Paramjit Singh Raipur, opposed the formation of the investigation committee as being ‘one-sided’. Giani Harpreet Singh has alleged that certain SAD leaders are targeting him to distract from AT directions regarding its reorganisation. The SGPC was to hold a meeting on 23 Dec but it was called off citing technical reasons.
Like what you're reading? Subscribe to our top stories.
Liv Forum provides a digest of analysis on major issues facing Indian (East) Panjab and Sikhs globally.
In accordance with our Privacy Policy, we will never share or sell the information of our subscribers.
