CHANDIGARH: Amid opposition of appointment of Kuldeep Singh Gargaj as Jathedar of Takht kesgarh Sahib by Sikh and Nihang organisations, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbhandak Committee(SGPC) today installed the new Jathedar shortly after midnight, at 2.50 AM without the presence of Guru Granth Sahib.
At the time of installation ceremony of new Jathedar, no representative of Sikh organisations, Nihang bodies and Sikh Jathedar were present. This is first time in the history of Sikh religion that a Jathedar was installed bypassing the religious rituals. The SGPC was fearing interruption in the installation ceremony by Nihang organisations.
Baba Balbir Singh head of Baba Budha Dal had opposed the removal of Akal Takht Jathedar and Takht Kesgarh Sahib Jathedar by SGPC and he also opposed the selection of new Jathedars. The Shiromani Akali Dal(Badal) and SGPC had faced wrath of the senior SAD leaders and religious leaders for unceremonious removal of Sikh Jathedars.
Raghuvir Singh Virk vice president of SGPC and Sucha Singh Langah senior leader of SAD(Badal) later at a press conference defended the installation of Kesgarh Sahib Jathedar at 2.50 AM. Virk said that Parkash of Guru Granth Sahib was done early due to devotees rush for Holla Mohalla festival. He congratulated the new Jathedar.
Langah said that SGPC had avoided bloody clash between Sikhs and it was wise decision to install new Jathedar before dawn. The SGPC had earlier given time of 10 AM for the installation ceremony.
Langah said that there was conspiracy of BJP and central agencies to harm Sukhbir Singh Badal and SAD.He said that it was unfortunate that Fakhar-e-Kaum award given to Parkash Singh Badal was withdrawn after his death. He said that SAD had faced many crisis and emerged stronger every time. He equated the expelled jathedars as agents of center government.
Langah said that they would compromise with BJP even if their government is no formed. He said that opponents were leveling false allegations that maryada was violated.