A political storm has engulfed Punjab after Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh of Takht Sri Damdama Sahib resigned, alleging threats and harassment from former Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Virsa Singh Valtoha. The controversy has ignited fierce condemnation from various political leaders across party lines, demanding stringent action against Valtoha and highlighting concerns over the dignity of Sikh religious institutions.
Giani Harpreet Singh's resignation came a day after a panel of five high priests recommended Valtoha’s expulsion from the SAD for undermining the credibility of the Takht Jathedars. In his resignation letter, Giani Harpreet Singh cited mental agony and threats directed at him and his family, stating, “I am getting threats that my family members would be ‘molested’ publicly.” This alarming assertion has raised serious concerns among the Sikh community about the safety and respect accorded to their leaders.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, taking a strong stance against the actions of SAD leaders, criticized Akali leaders for attempting to diminish the authority of the Jathedar and emphasized that such behaviour is both unwarranted and undesirable. “The shameful face of Akali leaders has been unveiled, demonstrating grave disrespect to the Jathedar's authority.” Mann firmly stated that the State Government would take the severest action against those found guilty of threatening or disrespecting Giani Harpreet Singh.
Political leaders from the Congress party have also voiced their concerns, urging the Punjab Police to investigate Valtoha's alleged threats. Gurdaspur MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa wrote to the Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav calling for swift action and emphasizing that the Akali leaders' actions not only hurt the religious sentiments of the Sikh community but also challenged the sanctity of its highest institutions.
Another Congress MP, GS Aujla from Amritsar, echoed similar sentiments, stating that addressing Valtoha's behaviour is essential for preserving the dignity of Takht Jathedars and deterring future attacks.
Amidst the turmoil, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders have also condemned Valtoha's remarks, characterizing them as indicative of a troubling decline in political decorum. AAP MP Malvinder Singh Kang expressed support for Giani Harpreet Singh, urging him to reconsider his resignation, as his leadership is vital for the Sikh community. He called out the Badal family’s history of exploiting Sikh institutions for personal gain, asserting that their outdated tactics have alienated them from the community they claim to represent.
Valtoha's defense hinges on a controversial meeting Giani Harpreet Singh had with Home Minister Amit Shah in 2022. He presented old video clips during a hearing before the high priests, attempting to portray the Jathedar's actions as compromising the integrity of the Sikh faith. However, Giani Harpreet Singh countered that these meetings were never secret and emphasized the importance of transparency in leadership roles.
The SGPC (Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee) has chosen not to accept Giani Harpreet Singh's resignation. Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh intervened, urging SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami not to accept the resignation, warning that such a move could trigger a mass resignation of Jathedars. He implored Giani Harpreet Singh to reconsider, acknowledging the disrespect shown to him and his family.
In a dramatic turn, the Shiromani Akali Dal has accepted Valtoha’s resignation from the party, after the five high priests had hold him guilty and ordered SAD to expel him from the party for a period of 10 years. SAD’s working president Balwinder Singh Bhunder said that the move was necessary to address the ongoing controversy surrounding Valtoha.
