Amritsar: The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), five appointed Jathedars have summoned Sukhbir Badal, former president of Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal), following allegations leveled by a rebel faction of the party. The summoning comes in the wake of a letter submitted by dissenting members criticizing Badal’s leadership during his tenure from 2007 to 2017.
The meeting, held at the Akal Takht secretariat, was attended by Giani Raghbir Singh, Giani Harpreet Singh, Giani Sultan Singh (Takht Kesgarh Sahib), Giani Baljit Singh (Head Granthi Sri Harmandar Sahib), and Giani Mangal Singh (Panj Pyare Akal Takht Sahib). They have called upon Sukhbir Badal to respond to allegations in person within 15 days that he neglected the representation of Panthik sentiments during his leadership.
One of the key issues is the controversy surrounding a decision made in 2015 by the five Jathedars to pardon Gurmeet Ram Rahim, the chief of Dera Sauda Sirsa, which sparked widespread criticism and protests. The decision, later revoked by the Jathedars, prompted questions about the use of 90 lakh rupees in advertising expenditure from Gurdwaras treasury by the SGPC defending the controversial decision. The Jathedars have told SGPC to explain its action in this regard.