Gurbani row: SGPC meeting lashes out at Bhagwant Mann, does not spare the Badals

It was after a long time that the SGPC saw such a free-wheeling session – telecast live – with members other than Akali Dal loyalists having a say.

The Gurbani from the Golden Temple is currently aired only on PTC, which is seen as a major source of revenue for the channel. The Mann government recently passed the Sikh Gurdwaras (Amendment) Bill, 2023, which says the Gurbani should be free-to-air, and not restricted to any one channel.

On Monday, while some SGPC members criticised the reservation of rights with PTC, due to its ties to the Badal family, there is unease within the Sikh body over the law as it fears it may open the door for the government taking decisions for the community. This dilemma was reflected at Monday’s meeting.

First, former SGPC president Jagir Kaur, a Badal loyalist-turned-critic, and SGPC member Kiranjot Kaur reacted sharply when SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami referred to the CM as Bhagwant ‘Singh’ Mann, in the resolution proposed against the law.

They said the Punjab CM himself does not use the word ‘Singh’. Others joined in, claiming Mann “was not a Sikh”. SGPC member Manjit Singh said, “Bhagwant Mann, who does not maintain unshorn hair, is interfering in Sikh affairs. He should be sent a copy of the Sikh Code of Conduct.”

SGPC member Jaswant Singh Purrian then set the tone of the meeting by criticising the functioning of the SGPC, questioning how PTC had come to own solo rights to the Golden Temple Gurbani, and held them for 16 years, and also the recent removal of Acting Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Harpeet Singh. The Takht Damdama Sahib Jathedar, Giani Harpreet was not present at the SGPC meeting Monday, which didn’t go down well.

Purrian said he opposed the AAP government’s changes in the gurdwara law, as it might “open the gates for making amendments to appoint non-Sikhs as the SGPC president”. However, Purrian said, “there is also a need to bring transparency in the SGPC’s working”.

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— Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (@SGPCAmritsar) June 26, 2023

He asked why even Executive members “were not informed” when Giani Harpreet was removed, and added: “We have no answer to the question of why the SGPC didn’t start its own channel, as requested by the Akal Takht Jathedar. It is true that people don’t want to see PTC. A solid decision needs to be made on this issue.”

Purrian added that if Mann was made to realise that Sikhs were against the law, he would backtrack.

In a barely veiled attack on the Akali Dal, he said, “We also need to analyse under which government interference in SGPC affairs increased. We agree that the current amendment is wrong, but I have also informed the SGPC president in writing about the issues that need to be addressed. All religions have their own channel. Just make a call, and Sikhs will start 10 channels for you.”

SGPC member Bhanwant Singh Sialka said he agreed with what Purrian said, followed by other speakers. Attacking the AAP government, Kitanjot Kaur said, “I am surprised that Bhagwant Mann is saying he is also a Sikh. Bhagwant Mann is a Sikh who can’t even become a voter in SGPC elections. Tomorrow you will say that you want to change the rules for who can become an SGPC voter.”

Addressing SGPC president Dhami, she said: “You have made many statements, for the sake of making statements, about starting an SGPC channel. The Gurbani Kirtan is not the property of an individual or government. A YouTube channel should be started within a week. Even Sikhs who oppose us will agree with this.”

SGPC member Amarjit Singh Wadala proposed that the Badals hand over PTC to SGPC. “The issue will be resolved automatically. PTC will continue to telecast the Gurbani, and this dispute will also be solved,” said Amarjit Singh.

Recently, Mann said in the Punjab Assembly that the Badal family was planning to hand over the PTC Simran channel to the SGPC.

Dhami lost his cool a couple of times during the course of the meeting, especially when Jagir Kaur moved a resolution criticising the Badal family.

She started by condemning the changes in the gurdwara law. “The matter should be seen in the context of direct interference in the management of gurdwaras by the Punjab government. I appeal to all Sikh factions to oppose this resolution regardless of their differences and disagreements,” she said.

Jagir Kaur, who recently contested SGPC elections defying the body, added: “I appeal to all members to introspect that this is not an issue of the monopoly of PTC. In fact, it is about shunning the ideology and principles of the community for the interests of a family.”

After her speech led to a ruckus, that lasted a few minutes, she was muted in the live telecast. Jagir Kaur, who questioned the “silence” of the Akali Dal over the gurdwara law changes, expressed the apprehension that the telecast was being interrupted when Badal critics were speaking.

In his speech, Dhami thanked the members present for unanimously passing the resolutions proposed by him, going on to mention PTC among the many challenges he had to face as president. “The enemy struck, but you have neutralised the attack… The amendment is a sweet poison. Now we feel okay to make an issue around PTC… It started during the tenure of Bibi Jagir Kaur. Mere hisse buraiyan aa gayian (I have inherited many problems).”