Barnala/Sangrur: After S. Jaswant Singh Khaira, one of the administrators of the Akal Council Mastuana Sahib, apologized yesterday for paying tribute to Lala Jagat Narain, a fresh controversy has now erupted over Advocate Gurwinder Singh Gindi—the Barnala constituency in-charge of Amritpal Singh’s political party, Akali Dal Waris Punjab—paying tribute to Lala Jagat Narain.
It is worth noting that Lala Jagat Narain, the former editor of the Arya Samaji news organization Jagbani, played an anti-Sikh role during the 1970s and 80s. Subsequently, this news organization continued the same policy. Consequently, there is strong resentment within Sikh circles regarding the participation of leaders from Sikh institutions and organizations in memorial events held in honor of Lala Jagat Narain.
A photograph showing Advocate Gurwinder Singh Gindi, constituency in-charge of Akali Dal Waris Punjab, participating in a tribute ceremony for Lala Jagat Narain was published in the Jagbani newspaper. The caption beneath the photo reads: “Advocate Gurwinder Gindi, Constituency In-charge of Shiromani Akali Dal Waris Punjab, paying tribute to Amar Shaheed Lala Jagat Narain Ji.” This image was printed on page four of the Sangrur-Barnala Bani edition of the Jagbani newspaper on August 11, 2026.
It is pertinent to mention that yesterday (August 11), the issue of Jaswant Singh Khaira, an administrator of the Akal Council Mastuana Sahib, attending and paying his respects at Lala Jagat Narain’s tribute ceremony came to light. Following this, Khaira issued a written statement yesterday evening, offering an apology to the Sikh Sangat. Responding to the matter yesterday, the Sikh Jatha Malwa stated that accountability must be fixed for the unprincipled actions of the heads of Sikh institutions. The Jatha added that to prevent such incidents in the future, a definitive code of conduct should be established by the Guru Khalsa Panth from Sri Akal Takht Sahib.
Now, it remains to be seen how Amritpal Singh, who is currently detained in Dibrugarh Jail, and his political party Waris Punjab react to this action by their leader. The Sikh Siyasat news outlet attempted to contact prominent party leader Rashpal Singh Sosan by phone to obtain the Akali Dal Waris Punjab party’s official response on the matter, but could not connect with him as his phone was busy.
