SAD crisis in Punjab: Sikh high priests to meet on January 28 at Akal Takht amidst rising tensions

AMRITSAR: The upcoming January 28 meeting of five Sikh high priests, led by Jathedar of Akal Takht, Giani Raghbir Singh, is set to play a crucial role in addressing the Shiromani Akali Dal's (SAD) ongoing internal struggles. The party faces criticism from dissident leaders and panthic organizations for not establishing the seven-member committee as directed by the Sikh high priests. While the meeting offers a chance to resolve these issues, some fear it could escalate the challenges for the SAD, which is under increasing pressure to fully implement the directives issued by the Akal Takht on December 2, 2024.
Sources suggest that Giani Raghbir Singh is under immense pressure to ‘reconsider’ the directions given to the SAD working committee to form the seven-member committee. Several SGPC members, panthic organizations, and other Sikh leaders have met with Raghbir Singh or submitted memorandums at the Akal Takht secretariat, urging him to reconsider the matter.
"Since this issue will be prominently recorded in Sikh history, particularly in relation to the Sikh supreme temporal seat, the Jathedar will not yield to any kind of pressure, especially with all eyes focused on him," said sources close to Giani Raghbir Singh.
In response to the meeting, Gurpartap Singh Wadala, Chairman of the now-dissolved SAD Sudhar Lehar, pointed out that the Jathedar recognized that the directions issued by the Sikh high priests on December 2 were not being followed, and the SAD hesitated in implementing them, especially regarding the formation of the seven-member committee. Wadala believes that the Jathedar’s decision to convene the meeting signifies an acknowledgment of the need to address these issues to preserve the dignity and honor of the Akal Takht.
Panthic sources also revealed that former SAD President Sukhbir Singh Badal’s public statements, in which he claimed he committed no ‘sins or mistakes,’ have aggravated the Jathedar of Akal Takht. This is particularly significant after Badal made the same acknowledgment before the Akal Takht. "It is possible that the SAD leader is making such statements to avoid any legal complications, but this is seen as an attempt to undermine the authority of the Akal Takht," said sources, adding that this issue will also be discussed during the meeting.
Notably, Giani Harpreet Singh, Jathedar of Takht Damdama Sahib, was not invited to the meeting due to a ban imposed by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) Executive Committee (EC) following a complaint against him. His issue is expected to be part of the meeting’s deliberations. The EC had formed a sub-committee to investigate the allegations against Giani Harpreet Singh, but the Jathedar of Akal Takht opposed this, asserting that such matters could only be investigated by the Akal Takht itself. The Jathedar also rejected further investigation into Harpreet Singh, citing that an inquiry had already been conducted.
Sources suggest that the Sikh high priests may reconsider the matter and issue new directions accordingly. "We are of the view that the Sikh high priests will conclude this issue," said sources.
Additionally, it is reported that the Sikh high priests may pronounce atonement upon former president of the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee, Harwinder Singh Sarna, who was declared ‘tankhiya’ (guilty of religious misconduct). According to the December 2 directives, Sarna allegedly undermined the authority of the Jathedars.