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‘Politically motivated’: Sukhbir Badal, Akal Takht slam Punjab Govt for withdrawing security of Baba Ghalla Singh

Just hours after the Nanaksar sect extended support to the Akali Dal, the Punjab Government withdrew the security of Baba Ghalla Singh.

Badal with religious leaderBaba Ghalla Singh with Sukhbir Singh Badal (Screengrab).

Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal Monday criticised the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab for withdrawing the security of Baba Ghalla Singh of the Nanaksar sect.

Baba Ghala Singh recently attended a gathering with Sukhbir Singh Badal and asked the attendees to promise to vote for the SAD. Alleging that the security was withdrawn after Baba Ghalla extended support to the SAD, Badal described the move as politically motivated.

In a social media post, Badal stated that he had recently visited Nanaksar, where Baba Ghalla Singh had extended his support to the SAD. He alleged that the AAP government, angered by this, immediately withdrew his security and called this action shocking.

Comparing it to the withdrawal of slain singer Sidhu Moosewala’s security, Badal said a similar “negligence” had occurred then, with tragic consequences. He added that the government is not learning from past mistakes.

Badal stated that if any untoward incident occurs at Nanaksar or if Baba Ghalla Singh’s life or property is harmed, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and the Punjab Police chief will be directly responsible.

The Acting Jathedar of Akal Takht Sahib, Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj, said that this action by the government is wrong, especially in view of the “deteriorating law-and-order situation in the state”.

He said that the Nanaksar sect has been playing an important role in the propagation and promotion of Sikhism and that Ghalla Singh had been provided security for a long time.

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He further stated that if the government adopts a discriminatory or opportunistic approach against preachers of the Sikh community who work for the welfare of all, it is entirely inappropriate and must be reconsidered.

“Such an action is not serious, and in such circumstances, if any untoward incident occurs after the withdrawal of security from Sant Baba Ghalla Singh Ji, the direct responsibility will rest with the Punjab Government,” he said.

Jathedar Gargajj asked that the government restore the security of Baba Ghalla Singh with immediate effect.

Kamaldeep Singh Brar is a Principal Correspondent at The Indian Express, primarily covering Amritsar and the Majha region of Punjab. He is one of the publication's key reporters for stories involving the Akal Takht, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), and the sensitive socio-political issues of the border districts. Core Beats & Specializations Religious & Panthic Affairs: He has deep expertise in the internal workings of the Akal Takht and SGPC, frequently reporting on religious sentences (Tankhah), Panthic politics, and the influence of Sikh institutions. National Security & Crime: His reporting covers cross-border drug smuggling, drone activities from Pakistan, and the activities of radical groups. Regional Politics: He is the primary correspondent for the Majha belt, covering elections and political shifts in Amritsar, Tarn Taran, and Gurdaspur. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) His work in late 2025 has been centered on judicial developments, local body elections, and religious controversies: 1. Religious Politics & Akal Takht "Akal Takht pronounces religious sentences against former Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh" (Dec 8, 2025): Covering the historic decision to hold the former Jathedar guilty for granting a pardon to Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim in 2015. "YouTube suspends SGPC’s channel for a week over video on 1984 Army action" (Nov 20, 2025): Reporting on the digital friction between global tech platforms and Sikh religious bodies. "As AAP govt grants Amritsar holy tag, a look at its fraught demand" (Nov 28, 2025): An analytical piece on the long-standing demand for declaring Amritsar a "holy city" and its political implications. 2. Crime & National Security "Mostly Khalistanis on Amritpal’s hit list: Punjab govt to High Court" (Dec 16, 2025): Reporting on the state government's claims regarding jailed MP Amritpal Singh orchestrating activity from prison. "Punjab man with links to Pakistan’s ISI handlers killed in encounter" (Nov 20, 2025): Detailing a police operation in Amritsar involving "newly refurbished" firearms likely sent from across the border. "15 schools in Amritsar get bomb threat emails; police launch probe" (Dec 12, 2025): Covering the panic and police response to mass threats against educational institutions. 3. Political Analysis & Elections "AAP wins 12 of 15 zones in SAD stronghold Majitha" (Dec 19, 2025): Highlighting a significant shift in the 2025 rural elections where the Akali Dal lost its grip on a traditional fortress. "Tarn Taran bypoll: woman faces threats after complaining to CM Mann about drug menace" (Nov 9, 2025): A ground report on the personal risks faced by citizens speaking out against the illegal drug trade in border villages. "AAP wins Tarn Taran bypoll, but SAD finds silver lining" (Nov 14, 2025): Analyzing the 2025 assembly by-election results and the surprising performance of Independents backed by radical factions. 4. Human Interest "Two couples and a baby: Punjab drug addiction tragedy has new victims" (Nov 20, 2025): A tragic investigative piece about parents selling an infant to fund their addiction. "Kashmiri women artisans debut at Amritsar’s PITEX" (Dec 8, 2025): A feature on financial independence initiatives for rural women at the Punjab International Trade Expo. Signature Beat Kamaldeep is known for his nuanced understanding of border dynamics. His reporting often highlights the "drug crisis in the underprivileged localities" (like Muradpur in Tarn Taran, Nov 9, 2025), providing a voice to marginalized communities affected by addiction and administrative neglect. X (Twitter): @kamalsbrar ... Read More

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