SAD, SGPC Up in Arms Against Maharashtra Govts Nanded Gurdwara Move

The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and the SGPC have strongly opposed the Maharashtra governments move to amend the Nanded Sikh Gurdwara Sachkhand Shri Hazur Abhchal Nagar Sahib Act 1956, terming it as direct interference in Sikh religious matters.

Chandigarh, February 7: The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) have vehemently opposed the Maharashtra government's move to amend the Nanded Sikh Gurdwara Sachkhand Shri Hazur Abhchal Nagar Sahib Act, 1956, calling for its immediate revocation.

SAD Condemns Interference in Sikh Religious Affairs

Senior SAD leader Daljit Singh Cheema expressed strong disapproval of the Maharashtra government's actions, asserting that the move to arbitrarily take control of the gurdwara board will not be tolerated by the Sikh Sangat. He emphasized that this decision constitutes direct interference in Sikh religious affairs and demanded its immediate withdrawal.

SGPC Objects to Reduction of Sikh Representation

SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami voiced strong objections to the Maharashtra government's decision to reduce the number of members from Sikh organizations in the Takht Sri Hazur Sahib Nanded Gurdwara Board. He condemned the proposed amendment as a direct interference in the affairs of the Sikh community.

Dhami highlighted that the Maharashtra government's decision to increase the number of government-nominated members while reducing the representation of Sikh organizations in the Gurdwara Board at Nanded is an attempt to exert direct control over Sikh shrines. He emphasized that no prior consultation was conducted with the Sikh community before proposing such an amendment.

Key Changes in the Proposed Amendment

Cheema elaborated on the specific changes proposed in the amendment, stating that the Maharashtra government's decision allows for the direct nomination of 12 out of a total of 17 members of the Nanded gurdwara board. He noted that the number of members sent by the SGPC has been reduced from four to two, while the nomination of the Chief Khalsa Diwan and Hazuri Sachkhand Diwan has been abolished.

Additionally, the two Sikh Members of Parliament (MPs) who were previously members of the board have also been denied this right under the new amendment, Cheema claimed.

SGPC Seeks Dialogue with Maharashtra CM

In response to these developments, Dhami has written a letter to Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, requesting an appointment for an SGPC delegation to discuss the matter. He appealed to the chief minister to immediately cease any attempts to increase government influence in the management and concerns of Sikh shrines.

Dhami emphasized the importance of ensuring the participation of representatives from Sikh organizations in the Nanded Gurdwara Board, as was the case earlier.

The SAD and SGPC's opposition to the Maharashtra government's amendment to the Nanded Sikh Gurdwara Act reflects the deep concerns within the Sikh community regarding the preservation of their religious autonomy and the sanctity of their sacred shrines. The outcome of this issue will be closely watched by Sikhs across India, as it has significant implications for the management and governance of one of their most revered gurdwaras.