Jathedar Gargaj will also hold charge of acting Jathedar of Akal Takht
CHANDIGARH: Violating the Sikh 'Maryada' and fearing backlash from Nihang and Sikh organisation, the Shiromani Gurdawara Parbhandak Committee (SGPC) today held the installation ceremony of newly appointed Jathedar of Kesgarh Sahib Kuldip Singh Gargaj shortly after midnight, at 2.50 AM.
Giani Kuldip Singh Gargaj will also hold the charge of Jathedar of Akal Takht in place of Giani Raghbir Singh who was expelled by SGPC.
The SGPC had given time for the installation ceremony at 10 AM but due to opposition by Baba Balbir Singh head of Nihang sect Baba Budha Dal, the installation ceremony was advanced. SGPC Vice president Raghuvir Singh Virk later justified the installation ceremony in early hours to avoid confrontation with those opposing the installation. He said that ceremony was held with full 'rehat maryada' (religious procedure).
The controversy over appointment of new Sikh high priests of Akal Takht and Takht Kesgarh Sahib had started after SGPC executive committee suddenly removed Giani Raghbir Singh Jathedar of Akal Takht and Giani Sultan Singh Jathedar of Takht Kesgarh Sahib. Earlier Giani Harpreet Singh Jathedar of Takht Damdama Sahib was also removed from his post. It is alleged that Sikh Jathedars were removed due to an edict issued by Akal Takht, declaring SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal, guilty of religious misconduct.
At the time of installation ceremony of new Jathedar, no representative of Sikh organisations, Nihang bodies and Sikh Jathedar were present. Panj Pyaras(five beloveds of Guru) had presented a Siropa (robe of honour) to the new Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargaj.
On the allegations of that ceremony was held without the presence of Guru Granth Sahib, Virk said that Parkash of Guru Granth Sahib was done early due to devotees rush for Holla Mohalla festival. He congratulated the new Jathedar.
Sucha ingh Langah senior SAD leader who held a press conference along with SGPVC officials said that SGPC had avoided bloody clash between Sikhs and it was wise decision to install new Jathedar before dawn.
Langah said that ceremony was preponed in wake of a conspiracy of BJP and central agencies to trigger clash between Sikhs. He said that BJP was conspiring to damage SAD, the only party of Sikhs. He said that BJP should fell ashamed of their conduct and remined the BJP that SAD had helped them to form government in Punjab. He said that Sukhbir Singh Badal was target of central agencies.
Langah questioned the decision of Akal Takht issuing direction on conducting membership drive of SAD. He said that never in the past the Sikh high priests had intervened in the process of membership of SAD.
He said that it was unfortunate that Fakhar-e-Kaum award given to Parkash Singh Badal was withdrawn after his death. He added that Badal became CM five times, remained in jail and Akal Takhat awarded him Fakhar-e-kaum based on his contribution for Sikh Panth. He said that award was withdrawn to lower the prestige of Sikh kaum.
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 center was interfering in the Sikh affairs. He said that SAD had broken ties with BJP long ago but SAD has compulsion to tie up with BJP because they cant shake hand with Congress.