Akal Takht Crisis: World Sikh Parliament Calls for Panthic Unity

Frankfurt, March 11, 2025 –Nazrana Times Beuro

The World Sikh Parliament (WSP), represented by Coordinator Bhai Himmat Singh (USA), Co-Coordinator Bhai Gurcharan Singh Guraia (Germany), Chief Spokesperson Bhai Joga Singh, and General Secretary Bhai Manpreet Singh (UK), has strongly condemned the controversial removal of Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh and Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib Jathedar Giani Sultan Singh by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) in its executive meeting on March 7, 2025.

In a press statement, the WSP leaders expressed deep concern over this decision, stating that it is a direct attack on the independence and sanctity of Sikh religious institutions. They alleged that the removal was orchestrated under the influence of Sukhbir Singh Badal and his political advisors, proving once again that decisions affecting the Sikh Panth are being dictated by political interests rather than Gurmat principles.

Political Interference in Sikh Institutions

The WSP pointed out that the removal of Jathedars is not an isolated event but part of a larger pattern of political interference. Earlier, Takht Sri Damdama Sahib Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh was also dismissed in a similar manner. The WSP emphasized that all three Jathedars were removed because they had played a key role in the December 2, 2023, decision that held Sukhbir Singh Badal accountable for anti-Sikh actions during his government (2007-2017). The decision also revoked the Panth Rattan Fakhr-e-Qaum title from former Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal.

The SGPC’s actions demonstrate that it is functioning as a private entity controlled by the Badal family, rather than an independent Sikh governing body. The WSP stated that SGPC is being used as a tool to manipulate the Akal Takht Sahib and other Takhts to serve personal and political interests.

Widespread Opposition from the Sikh Community

The decision to remove the Jathedars has been widely criticized across the Sikh community. However, the WSP highlighted a fundamental issue—SGPC has long had the authority to appoint and remove Jathedars, which is against Panthic tradition. Every time a Jathedar is appointed, there is initial opposition, but over time, individuals and institutions start accepting the appointments for their own interests.

The WSP reminded the Sikh Panth of a similar crisis in 2015, when the Badal government was accused of sacrilege incidents involving Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and the controversial pardon given to Dera Sacha Sauda chief. At that time, Panthic organizations had gathered at Sarbat Khalsa to appoint independent Jathedars. However, many of the same organizations later accepted SGPC-controlled Jathedars, leading to continued political control over Sikh institutions.

Undermining Akal Takht and Sikh Sovereignty

The WSP criticized the practice of modifying or rejecting Akal Takht’s decisions based on political and factional interests. One key example is the controversy over the Nanakshahi Calendar, where decisions were altered due to political pressure. These actions weaken Sikh institutions and deepen internal divisions within the Sikh Panth.

According to the WSP, the root cause of this crisis is the flawed election process of SGPC under the Gurdwara Act. The Indian government controls and influences SGPC elections, making them non-representative of true Panthic aspirations. The WSP argued that using SGPC’s authority to appoint Jathedars and override Akal Takht Sahib’s decisions is anti-Panthic and must be stopped immediately.

Call for Panthic Unity & Gurmat-Based Leadership

The World Sikh Parliament urged all Sikh organizations, Gurdwara committees, and Panth-loving Sikhs worldwide to unite against political interference in religious institutions. The strength of the Sikh Panth lies in its unity, and it is crucial to rise above personal interests and safeguard the sanctity of Akal Takht Sahib and other Takhts.

Quoting Guru Granth Sahib, the WSP emphasized:

"Hoei Ikatr Milho Mere Bhai, Dubidha Door Karahu Liv Lai.

"Har Naam Ke Hovahu Jodi, Gurmukh Baitho Safa Vichai."

The WSP called for a return to the traditional Khalsa decision-making system, where Sikh leadership is accountable to Sarbat Khalsa rather than a political party. It stated that the solution to this crisis lies in re-establishing the sovereignty of Sikh institutions through Gurmat-based governance.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

The World Sikh Parliament reaffirmed its commitment to preserving the independence of Sikh institutions and ensuring that Takhts operate based on Gurmat principles. It invited Sikh organizations, intellectuals, and Panthic scholars for a global discussion on implementing a transparent, Gurmat-aligned governance model for Sikh institutions.

The WSP concluded by urging the Sikh community to take collective action to free Sikh institutions from political control and restore their spiritual and administrative sovereignty.