Takht Kesgarh Sahib Jathedar takes charge amid opposition from Nihang bodies, Damdami Taksal
Anandpur Sahib event was held in the early hours amid tension. Jathedar of Takht Kesgarh Sahib Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj said the December 2 decisions will remain intact.
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Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj took charge as the new Jathedar of Takht Kesgarh Sahib in the early hours of Monday. (Express photo)Amid opposition from some Nihang bodies and the Damdami Taksal, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj took charge as the new Jathedar of Takht Kesgarh Sahib in Anandpur Sahib of Punjab’s Rupnagar district early Monday. These groups had threatened to prevent the ceremony from taking place at Anandpur Sahib.
Originally scheduled for 10 am, the ceremony was conducted early in the morning in the presence of the Panj Piare Sahibaan. Pratap Singh, Secretary, Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), and Malkit Singh, Manager, Takht Sahib, were also present, and offered their turbans as a mark of respect. The Granthi Singhs of Takht Sahib honoured the new Jathedar with a siropa (robe of honour).
In a key statement, Giani Kuldeep Singh affirmed that the decisions taken by the Akal Takht on December 2 last year would remain in effect. He emphasised that hukamnamas (edicts) issued in accordance with Gurmat (Guru’s teachings) are final and unalterable. However, he acknowledged concerns regarding the recruitment committee’s decisions and assured a review to address all parties’ grievances.
The December 2 decisions had led to internal disputes within the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), as they included the excommunication of former party president Sukhbir Singh Badal.
Dismissing speculation about any rollback, the new Jathedar called for restraint, urging all groups to avoid inflammatory remarks.
Giani Kuldeep Singh also highlighted broader challenges facing the Sikh community, stressing the need for unity. He criticised what he called an atmosphere of fear among minorities in India, the prolonged imprisonment of Sikh youth under laws like the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, or UAPA, and National Security Act (NSA), and the lack of justice for the 1984 massacre even after four decades.
Raising concerns over the demographic changes in Punjab, he alleged that Sikhs were being forced to migrate while outsiders were being settled in large numbers. He also criticised politicians for prioritising migrant votes over Sikh interests, attributing it to internal divisions.
He expressed alarm over rampant drug addiction among the Sikh youth, blaming materialism and a disconnect from religious values. He called for a grassroots-level religious awareness campaign to counter alleged religious conversions and urged Sikh politicians to draw inspiration from the Akali movement leaders of the 20th century.
Giani Kuldeep Singh concluded by appealing for collective efforts to strengthen Panthic unity, urging Sikhs to set aside differences and work towards the greater good.
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