SGPC Chief Dhami Resigns on Moral Grounds

On 13 Feb, Akal Takht (Eternal Throne; AT) Jathedar (Leader) Raghbir Singh issued a statement condemning the sacking of Takht (Sikh throne of sovereignty) Damdama Sahib Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), linking it to the 2 Dec 2023 AT directives. He criticized the SGPC and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leadership for undermining the independence of Sikh Takhts, calling the removal ‘extremely condemnable and unfortunate.’ Giani Harpreet Singh’s dismissal had also sparked widespread backlash from Sikh circles, with many demanding clearer action from AT Jathedar Raghbir Singh. The AT Jathedar’s statement raised questions about the SAD leadership’s claim of fully accepting the 2 Dec directives, further complicating the party’s internal dynamics. Amid the controversy, on 17 Feb, SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami resigned taking moral responsibility for the decision to sack Giani Harpreet Singh. Dhami also requested removal from the AT appointed seven-member committee to oversee SAD’s reorganization and membership drive. Dhami’s resignation is seen as a significant setback for the SAD, particularly Sukhbir Singh Badal’s camp, which faces criticism for allegedly manipulating the party’s membership drive and disregarding AT’s directives. Giani Harpreet Singh accused SAD leaders of weakening Panthic (Sikh collective) institutions for personal gains, stating that those representing Panthic ideology are being forced out or pressured to resign. The SGPC’s actions have reignited debates over the lack of formal guidelines for appointing and removing Sikh leaders pending for the last decade. Amritpal Singh’s new political party Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De) has now announced plans to establish clear rules for such processes, emphasizing the need to protect the sanctity of these revered positions. As the seven-member committee prepares for its next meeting, the future direction of the SAD remains uncertain.