New Jathedar Installed at Takht Kesgarh Sahib Following Leadership Dispute
Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj assumes dual leadership roles amid internal dissent and calls for Sikh unity.
- Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj was installed as Jathedar of Takht Kesgarh Sahib in a secret early-morning ceremony to avoid disruptions from protesting Nihang groups and dissenting Sikh organizations.
- The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) also appointed Gargaj as acting Jathedar of the Akal Takht, the highest Sikh temporal authority, following the controversial removal of his predecessors.
- The SGPC's decision to sack the previous Jathedars has sparked internal dissent within the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), with several leaders opposing the move and facing potential disciplinary actions.
- Giani Gargaj called for unity within the Sikh community, addressing challenges such as political fragmentation, social issues like drug abuse, and the erosion of religious values.
- Criticism of the SGPC's decision has come from both domestic and international Sikh organizations, citing concerns over the integrity and sanctity of Sikh leadership positions.