Jathedar Convenes Sikh Clergy Meeting Amid SAD Dispute

Amritsar : Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh has summoned the five Sikh high priests for a meeting on January 28 to deliberate on “Panthic issues,” following allegations of defiance by the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD).
The controversy stems from SAD’s rejection of a seven-member panel constituted by the Akal Takht to oversee its membership drive. The panel had been formed as part of an edict issued on December 2, which SAD has reportedly refused to comply with entirely.

Despite SAD initiating its membership drive ahead of its organizational polls on March 1, rebel Akali leader Gurpartap Singh Wadala rejected SAD’s overtures, insisting the drive must adhere to the Akal Takht’s directives.

SAD leaders have also approached panel members, including Satwant Kaur, who has not responded to their offer. SAD spokesperson Daljit Singh Cheema stated that Kaur, as an SGPC employee, must resign before joining party politics.

The development adds to ongoing tensions, with SAD leaders urging the Gurdwara Election Commission to extend the SGPC voter registration process to March 31 and eliminate bogus votes.