Chandigarh: A fresh political and religious controversy has erupted in Punjab after Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains strongly criticized Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal over his remarks related to the hukamnamas issued by Akal Takht.
Bains stated that Sri Akal Takht Sahib is the highest spiritual authority of the Sikh Panth, and any hukamnama issued from it holds supreme religious significance. He said questioning this authority amounts to an attack on Sikh sentiments and collective faith.
He further warned that anyone who does not accept the directives of the Akal Takht cannot morally claim to be a Sikh. The minister also urged acting Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj to take strict notice of Sukhbir Badal’s remarks.
The minister also raised concerns over alleged political interference in religious matters, claiming that the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) had significantly altered the design of the Anandpur Sahib Heritage Street project. He alleged that nearly 90 percent of the original design was changed to prevent credit going to the Punjab government.
Bains said the project was initially designed to connect Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib with Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib and Qila Anandgarh Sahib, improving accessibility for devotees. He added that features such as lifts for the elderly, stairs, and open pathways for Nagar Kirtan were part of the original plan.
He further stated that although the project model still exists at Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, major modifications were made later.
However, Bains also clarified that he respects Sikh institutions and will abide by any decision taken by them, while adding that people will remember who obstructed the project.
The issue has already sparked debate within Panthic circles, with former Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh also reportedly criticizing Sukhbir Badal’s statement, further intensifying the controversy.
Bains reiterated that there can be no compromise on the authority of Akal Takht Sahib and that any opposition to it will be accountable before the Panth.
