3 min readAmritsarUpdated: Jun 27, 2023 09:13 AM IST
The special General House session of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) on Monday rejected the Sikh Gurdwaras (Amendment) Bill, 2023, passed by AAP-led Punjab government in the Vidhan Sabha on June 20, 2023, and called for its strong opposition at all levels. The special General House session held in the presence of Sri Guru Granth Sahib at SGPC’s office in Teja Singh Samundri Hall, was also attended by Akal Takht Jathedar Raghbir Singh, Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib Jathedar Giani Sultan Singh.
Despite differences, SGPC members jointly condemned the “Punjab government’s alleged interference in the Sikh Gurdwaras Act, 1925”, and announced that it will not be tolerated.
In a resolution passed on this occasion, a warning was given to start the Morcha (front) after offering Ardas (Sikh prayer) at Akal Takht, as per Sikh traditions. The resolution presented by SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami was approved by the SGPC members present in the house amid the resonance of Jaikaras – Bole So Nihal Sat Sri Akal. They said that the Bhagwant Mann government should withdraw the Sikh Gurdwaras (Amendment) Bill, 2023, or be ready to face an intensified protest.
While presenting the resolution, Dhami said that the amendment in the Sikh Gurdwaras Act, 1925, is possible only with SGPC recommendations. Referring to the pact between senior Akali leader Tara Singh and former PM Jawaharlal Nehru in 1959 and Section 72 of the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966, Dhami said that before making any amendment in the Sikh Gurdwaras Act, the approval of two-thirds of the members of SGPC’s General House must be sought.
“However, the Punjab government is making this interference with the aim of implementing the anti-Sikh ideology of his Delhi-based boss and AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal and to usurp SGPC,” Dhami said, adding that the anti-Sikh intention of the state government will not be allowed to succeed at any cost and a struggle will be fought against it.
Dhami also sought a public apology from Mann and AAP MLA Budh Ram in the resolution for allegedly interfering in the gurdwara management, insulting Kes (unshorn hair), which is an important part of ‘Sikh Kakaars’ and hurting the dignity of Raagi Singhs of Sri Harmandir Sahib.
Those who expressed their views in the SGPC House included SGPC junior vice-president Avtar Singh Raya, general secretary Gurcharan Singh Grewal, former SGPC president Bibi Jagir Kaur, members Rajinder Singh Mehta, Manjit Singh, Bhagwant Singh Sialka, Ram Singh among others.
Story continues below this ad
Speaking to the media after the house meeting, Dhami said that as part of their resentment, they will start a protest from Akal Takht under the leadership of SGPC members and SAD constituency in-charges. He added that before starting the protest, they will also approach President Droupadi Murmu and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Dhami added that the progress is also being made regarding the Gurbani broadcast. “Some meetings of the sub-committee have been held and in the due course, a decision will be taken following the orders of Akal Takht Jathedar and keeping the sentiments of the Sangat in mind,” he said.
