Bikram Singh Majithia Questions Jathedars' Removal as SAD Leader Bhundar Accuses Him of Betrayal

Senior Akali leader Bikram Singh Majithia, along with several others, expressed strong disapproval of the recent dismissals of the jathedars of the Akal Takht and the Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib. This move has hinted at a possible rift within the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD). The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) had removed Giani Raghbir Singh and Giani Sultan Singh from their respective positions.

The SGPC justified the removal of Giani Raghbir Singh, citing his inadequate leadership in addressing challenges faced by the Sikh community. His inconsistent approach was said to have weakened unity among Sikhs. In his place, Sikh scholar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gadgaj was appointed as the new jathedar of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib and will also serve as acting jathedar of Akal Takht until a permanent appointment is made.

Reactions and Accusations

Majithia's criticism marks him as the first senior SAD leader to question the SGPC's decision. His statement drew a sharp response from SAD working president Balwinder Singh Bhundar, who accused Majithia of betraying party leader Sukhbir Singh Badal. Bhundar alleged that Majithia's actions were akin to back-stabbing Badal during challenging times for the party.

Bhundar expressed disappointment over Majithia's stance, noting that Majithia should have supported Badal in preserving the legacy of SAD patriarch Parkash Singh Badal. "Bikram Majithia knows best who is responsible for the confusion that Sikh politics and the Shiromani Akali Dal have been going through for the past some time," Bhundar stated.

Internal Party Dynamics

The joint statement by Majithia and other leaders emphasized their respect for the jathedars and highlighted their disagreement with the SGPC's decision. They expressed that this decision deeply hurt the Sikh community. "Keeping in mind the sentiments of the sangat Sikh community, we do not agree with this decision," they stated.

The statement was signed by Majithia, senior SAD leader Sharanjit Singh Dhillon, former MLA Lakhbir Singh Lodhinangal, and four other Akali leaders. They voiced concerns about ongoing events affecting panthic unity and acknowledged their shared responsibility in addressing these issues.

Call for Unity

Majithia and his colleagues stressed the need for collective responsibility to prevent further division within SAD. "We all need to understand our responsibility and come forward and form a common opinion to save the martyrs organisation Shiromani Akali Dal," they urged. They called for restoring the dignity of Akal Takht Sahib amid internal party struggles.

Bhundar advised Majithia to unite against conspiracies rather than being part of one. He reminded that every leader and worker has the right to hold their views but cautioned against violating party discipline. "I could not have imagined in my dreams that Majithia would violate the discipline of the party," Bhundar remarked.

The Akal Takht in Amritsar and Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib in Anandpur Sahib are two of Sikhism's five seats of temporal authority. A majority of SGPC's general house members belong to SAD, indicating significant influence within these religious institutions.

As tensions rise within SAD, it remains crucial for leaders to address internal conflicts while maintaining unity among its members. The situation underscores ongoing challenges faced by political parties in balancing leadership dynamics with community expectations.