Punjab CM Bhagwant Singh Mann Condemns Unceremonious Removal of Jathedars as Political Vendetta by Akalis

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann strongly criticized the Akali leadership for what he termed as an unceremonious and politically motivated removal of Jathedars, describing the act as part of a larger revenge plan. Addressing the media in Chandigarh on Saturday, the Chief Minister expressed deep disappointment over the incident, calling it an unfortunate attempt by the Akalis to settle scores following their indictment by the Jathedars for past transgressions. He accused the Akali leadership of using religious institutions for their political gains, thereby hurting the sentiments of the Sikh community globally.

Bhagwant Singh Mann lamented that the Akalis, who once publicly apologized at Sri Akal Takht Sahib for their actions, have now resorted to targeting the very religious leaders who held them accountable. He remarked that this trend of dismissing Jathedars as per convenience reflects the moral decay within the Akali leadership. The Chief Minister emphasized that Jathedars hold a revered position within the Sikh faith, and any act of disrespect towards them cannot be tolerated by the Sikh community. He argued that the actions of the Akalis have not only disrespected the Jathedars but have also bruised the collective psyche of Sikhs across the world.

Expressing his displeasure, Bhagwant Singh Mann highlighted the irony that the interim committee responsible for removing the Jathedars had already overstayed its tenure, as elections for the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) have not been held for nearly a decade. He criticized the delay in SGPC elections, accusing the Akalis of deliberately avoiding them to retain control over the gurdwaras and use religious institutions for their political agendas. The Chief Minister called upon the Government of India to immediately conduct SGPC elections to restore the sanctity and democratic functioning of the religious body, which he claimed had been hijacked by modern-day Mahants.

Bhagwant Singh Mann did not mince words in accusing the Akalis of reducing the SGPC to a mere tool for political propaganda. He alleged that the Akalis have transformed the once-respected religious institution into a puppet organization serving their interests. The Chief Minister’s remarks reflected a broader concern about the politicization of religious institutions in Punjab and the potential consequences for the state’s socio-religious harmony. He urged the Sikh community to see through what he called the “drama” of the Akalis and stand united against the misuse of religious platforms for political gains.

In a passionate appeal, the Chief Minister called for the liberation of gurdwaras from the clutches of political leaders who he said were exploiting religious sentiments for electoral benefits. Bhagwant Singh Mann emphasized that the teachings of the Sikh Gurus advocate truth, justice, and service to humanity, and any deviation from these principles by those in power is an insult to the faith. He reiterated that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab is committed to ensuring that religious institutions remain free from political interference and operate in accordance with Sikh principles and democratic norms.

The Chief Minister also underscored the need for transparency and accountability within the SGPC. He proposed that elections for the committee should be conducted at the earliest to bring in a new leadership that genuinely represents the aspirations of the Sikh community. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that allowing the current interim committee to continue was akin to endorsing the status quo, which he claimed was detrimental to the religious and cultural fabric of Punjab. He urged the Sikh diaspora to join hands in demanding immediate elections to restore faith in the leadership of the SGPC.

Concluding his address, Bhagwant Singh Mann assured the Sikh community that his government would do everything in its power to protect the sanctity of religious institutions in Punjab. He said that his government stands for religious freedom and would not allow any political party to misuse religious sentiments for electoral benefits. The Chief Minister’s firm stand against the Akali leadership’s actions has sparked a new debate in Punjab’s political landscape, with calls for early SGPC elections gaining momentum. His statements reflect a larger battle for control over Punjab’s religious and cultural institutions, with significant implications for the state’s political and social future.

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