Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) on Monday has appealed Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh to step down from office in view of his daughter-in-law contesting Zila Parishad elections on the symbol of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD).
Jathedar Gurbachan Singh’s daughter-in-law Bibi lakhvir Kaur has filed nomination to Zila Parishad poll from Harike Kalan zone in Muktsar Sahib district on Akali Dal’s symbol.
Congress has also pointed out that Kaur’s husband and elder son of Jathedar Manjinder Singh is Circle Jathedar of Muktsar rural unit of Akali Dal.
“In what could amount to belittling the highest temporal seat of the Sikhs by indulging in partisan politics, Jathedar Akal Takhat Giani Gurbachan Singh is requested to step down from office before meddling in petty Akali politics,” said Congress spokesperson Sukhpal Singh Khaira.
“By allowing his daughter-in-law Bibi lakhvir Kaur to contest on SAD symbol, Jathedar Akal Takhat has clearly associated himself with SAD. By doing so, he has not only compromised his position as the Pope of Sikhs, but has also shed his neutral character expected from the highest temporal seat of the Sikhs,” said Khaira.