Giani Kuldeep Singh Gadgaj was appointed as Jathedar of Takht Kesgarh Sahib and Acting Jathedar Akal Takht. His appointment took place in a very simple manner. There was no religious rituals and absence of big leaders of the Sikh community. No senior officials of SGPC and Akali Dal attended the ceremony. Usually these officials are present on such occasions. The ceremony took place quietly at 2:30 am at Takht Kesgarh Sahib. The appointment program at Akal Takht was held later in the evening with simplicity.
Appointment of Jathedar an occasion like Guruparv
Jathedars of other Takhts, heads or representatives of Sikh organizations like Nihang Sangathan, Sikh Seva Society and Singh Sabha also did not attend the ceremony. Overall, many important people of the Sikh community were not seen in this appointment. Former Akal Takht Jathedar Bhai Ranjit Singh expressed disappointment over the lack of religious rituals. He said that the appointment of Jathedar is an occasion like Guruparv. It should have been celebrated with more respect and celebration. He raised the question that how much authority will Giani Kuldeep be able to hold within the Panth? He said that such appointments were not done according to Sikh tradition.
‘Protests are happening due to dismissal‘Panthik Talmel Sangathan is a group of about 150 Sikh organizations. It announced to protest in front of the houses of the members of the executive committee of SGP. These members had signed the decision to remove both the Jathedars. Sikh intellectual Harjeet Singh explained that those who are protesting were appointed by the SGPC through this process. Then the Shiromani Akali Dal had supported it. Now, after being dismissed on various charges, they are creating a ruckus. He called this protest double standards. He said that earlier this process was considered right, now it is being called wrong. It is clear from this that this protest is happening only because of the dismissal, not because of the process.
