Jathedar asks Badal to sack SGPC chief

This is likely to have political ramifications as it has shifted the onus on to Badal, who has so far tried to steer clear of the controversy.

The Jathedar has said that since Bibi Jagir Kaur has been excommunicated from the panth, she should not be allowed to chair any meeting.

Giani Puran Singh has also asked Badal to appoint acting jathedars in place of those excommunicated, namely Prof Manjit Singh of Takht Kesgarh Sahib, Anandpur Sahib, Giani Kewal Singh of Takht Damdama Sahib and Giani Bhagwan Singh, head granthi of the Akal Takht.

Asking the Chief Minister to ensure that those excommunicated were not allowed to enter their respective takhts, he restrained Badal from maintaining any religious, social or political relations with the excommunicated persons.

He said in reply to a letter written by Bibi Jagir Kaur he had asked her to appear on March 12 but she had foiled all efforts made by Badal and his emissaries. He said Bibi Jagir Kaur’s action had damaged the prestige and honour of the highest temporal seat of the Sikhs.

The Giani pointed out in the letter that the SGPC chief had arrived at 12.30 pm instead of 11 am and forced her way into the Akal Takht rather than than appear before the high priests as a humble Sikh. He said an excommunicated Sikh was not allowed to pay obeisance at the Akal Takht.

Baba Mangal Singh, vice-president of the Sant Samaj, who has been backing Giani Puran Singh, said the directive was issued to Badal to establish his credentials. If the Chief Minister failed to implement the hukamnama, it would become clear that he was conniving with the Bibi. He said Badal’s role in the entire issue had come under question due to repeated violation of the Akal Takht hukamnama.