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.