Damdami Taksal Opposes SGPC’s Decisions, Calls for Panthic Gathering on March 14
The Damdami Taksal has strongly condemned the removal of Takht Jathedars and the appointment of new ones by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) in a secretive manner, which the Taksal claims violates established Sikh traditions (‘maryada’). The SGPC, considered the religious extension of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), is facing mounting criticism from the Taksal.
Baba Harnam Singh Khalsa ‘Dhuma’, the head of the Taksal, has called for a Panthic gathering on March 14 at Panj Piyara Park, within the Damdami Taksal premises at Gurdwara Gurdarshan Prakash, Sri Anandpur Sahib. Scheduled to begin at 1 PM, the gathering aims to protest against what the Taksal perceives as a disrespectful move against Sikh principles, Takht Sahibs, and Panthic traditions.
In a video message, Baba Harnam Singh did not name any specific SGPC officials or SAD leaders but strongly criticized the ongoing “Panthic chaos”, attributing it to efforts to safeguard the interests of “one family.” He urged the Sikh community to resist these actions, stating, “Come out to teach them a lesson for their self-serving decisions, made to protect the ego-driven motives of certain individuals at the cost of Panthic principles and institutions.” He also extended an open invitation to Sant Samaj, Sikh Dals, Nihang Singh organizations, Sikh institutions, and the entire Sikh sangat to participate in the protest.
SGPC’s Recent Controversial Appointments
The SGPC, responsible for appointing Takht Jathedars, recently dismissed Giani Raghbir Singh from his role as Jathedar of the Akal Takht and removed Giani Sultan Singh from the position of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib Jathedar. In their place, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj was appointed as the Jathedar of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib and also given officiating charge of the Akal Takht. Without much public notice, he assumed responsibilities for both positions on Monday.
Shifting Political Equations
The Damdami Taksal, once closely aligned with the SAD and SGPC, has historically supported their key decisions, including the controversial 2015 pardon granted to the Dera Sirsa cult and responses to various sacrilege incidents at the time. Their relationship strengthened when the SAD-SGPC allowed the construction of a memorial gurdwara inside the Golden Temple complex to honor Sikh martyrs of the 1984 Operation Blue Star. However, this move was opposed by the SAD’s then-ally, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Over time, political dynamics changed. Following the SAD-BJP split in 2020 over farm laws, the Damdami Taksal gravitated towards the BJP. Baba Harnam Singh surprised many by openly supporting the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance (BJP-Shiv Sena-NCP) during the Maharashtra Assembly elections. This stance drew widespread criticism from several religio-political leaders, including those from the SAD and SGPC.
With tensions escalating between the Taksal and SGPC, the upcoming March 14 Panthic gathering is expected to be a major event in Sikh religious-political affairs.
Leave A Comment