‘Messengers of Badals’ trying to oust me: Suspended Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh

Giani Harpreet Singh, suspended Jathedar of Takht Damdama Sahib, has triggered a controversy by alleging that a conspiracy was being hatched at the behest of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) to make grounds for his “permanent ouster” from the services of the Takht.

Terming the conspirators as “messengers of Badals”, Giani Harpreet Singh alleged that the SGPC’s three-member committee, had expedited its proceedings against him at a time when a crucial meeting of the five high priests, scheduled for January 28, was postponed at the last moment.

“The meeting of the five high priests was scheduled to take some decisions in the light of Gurmat, but it was postponed as the SGPC intends to conduct its executive body meeting to ensure my exit, in advance,” he said.

The SGPC’s committee members have been reaching out to the Takht at Talwandi Sabo to procure statements that he had violated the ‘maryada’ (code of conduct) by appearing before the ‘Panj Pyaras’ to clarify the allegations levelled against him.

“These committee members are being ‘guided’ by a SAD leader, who was expelled by the Akal Takht… those who give in to their nefarious designs accumulate wealth and enjoy perks even after superannuation of their services,” he said.

Giani Harpreet Singh also alleged that a narrative was being created to implicate him in a frivolous case. “Let them (SGPC) terminate my services. Then I will see what to do next and expose everything,” he said, without naming anyone.

Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh had earlier dissented with the SGPC for conducting an inquiry against Giani Harpreet Singh as it violated the jurisdiction of the Akal Takht, which commands the sole authority to question the Jathedars.

Moreover, he had also pointed out that the SGPC inquiry held no significance as Giani Harpreet Singh had already appeared before the ‘Panj Pyaras’ to clarify the allegations of 18-year-old domestic dispute, which “appeared to be baseless”.

Meanwhile, Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh today reiterated that SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami led seven- member committee constituted from the ‘faseel’ of the Akal Takht by five high priests on December 2 still exists

He showed concern that this committee could not be made functional and directed the SAD working committee to conduct the membership drive under the supervision of this committee. He said five high priests’ meeting would be called soon