Giani Kuldeep Singh Appointed Jathedar of Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib Amid Protests..

Amid growing controversy, Giani Kuldeep Singh was appointed as the Jathedar of Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib late on Sunday night. His turban-tying ceremony took place at around 2:50 AM despite opposition from Nihang groups and other Sikh organizations. The appointment comes in the wake of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) removing the previous Jathedars of Akal Takht Sahib and Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib, a move that has sparked widespread protests.

The removal of the Jathedars has led to strong opposition from Nihang organizations, deepening the religious dispute within the Sikh community. Nihang groups have collectively passed a resolution stating that they will not allow any newly appointed Jathedars by SGPC to perform religious duties. They have argued that the appointments were made without the approval of Sikh organizations and the Sikh congregation.

Budha Dal General Secretary Diljit Singh Bedi criticized the SGPC for failing to establish clear guidelines regarding the appointment and retirement of Jathedars. He questioned why rules have not been formulated over the past 15-20 years despite repeated demands. Nihang groups have decided that they will not accept any newly appointed Jathedar and will actively oppose the turban-tying ceremonies of any such leaders.

Further, the controversy has been linked to previous decisions by the SGPC, including the controversial pardon granted to Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, which was later revoked due to widespread outrage. Nihang leaders argued that similar public pressure should force the SGPC to reverse its decision regarding the removal of the previous Jathedars. They have demanded that Raghbir Singh and Sultan Singh be reinstated and allowed to continue serving at Akal Takht Sahib, Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib, and Sri Anandpur Sahib as before.

The SGPC’s executive decision has created significant unrest within the Sikh community, leading to calls for immediate corrective action. Sikh organizations have warned that continued defiance of religious sentiments could escalate tensions further. The controversy has once again raised concerns over SGPC’s governance and decision-making process regarding Sikh religious leadership.

As protests grow, all eyes remain on the SGPC’s next move. The Sikh community awaits a resolution that respects traditional religious customs and addresses the concerns of Nihang groups and other Sikh organizations. The issue is expected to be discussed at higher levels, with increasing pressure on the SGPC to reconsider its actions.