Major Shake-Up in Sikh Leadership: SGPC Removes Key Jathedars

Amritsar (The Uttam Hindu ): The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) executive, in a meeting held at Sri Akal Takht Sahib on Friday, relieved Giani Harpreet Singh from the post of Jathedar of Sri Kesgarh Sahib, while Giani Raghbir Singh has also been removed from the post of Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib. However, Giani Raghbir Singh will continue his services as the head Granthi of Sri Harmandir Sahib. According to the decisions taken in the meeting, Giani Kuldeep Singh has been appointed as the new Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, while Baba Tek Singh Dhanaula will now take over the responsibility of Jathedar of Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib.

These important decisions were taken in the SGPC executive meeting, which was held at Sri Akal Takht Sahib on Friday. However, no decision could be taken in the meeting on the resignation of SGPC President Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami. Dhami resigned from the post of president on February 17, but the executive has not yet accepted his resignation.  The executive had urged Harjinder Singh Dhami to reconsider his resignation and requested him to continue as SGPC president. However, on Thursday, Harjinder Singh Dhami made it clear that he would not withdraw his resignation. Even after 20 days, Dhami's resignation has not been accepted by the SGPC executive. Senior Akali Dal Badal leaders, many leaders of the rebel faction, former Jathedar of Takht Damdama Sahib Giani Harpreet Singh and even Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib Giani Raghbir Singh have appealed to Dhami to withdraw his resignation, but Dhami is firm on his decision. The issue is likely to be further considered in the next meeting of the SGPC executive.