SGPC seeks action against MLA Sandhu for ‘defaming’ Sikh principles for political gains

The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has approached the Akal Takht, seeking action against the newly elected MLA Harmeet Singh Sandhu for allegedly defaming Sikh principles for political gains.Sandhu, who recently switched from the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), won the Tarn Taran bypoll by around 12,000 votes, defeating SAD candidate Principal Sukhwinder Kaur Randhawa.

In his victory speech, Sandhu alleged that the SGPC misused the “Guru di Golak” (donation box) at the behest of SAD to distribute money and influence voters.

A purported video of the speech shows him saying the election was “against those forces who threatened people, distributed ration and money by misusing “Guru di Golak”, adding that the people of Majha had given a “fatwa” in favour of AAP.

MLA Sandhu said no communication from the Akal Takht had been received yet.

“I stand by what I said during my speech. During the last Lok Sabha elections, the SGPC had put up hoardings in favour of SAD out of ‘golak money’ only. Moreover, I am dedicated to the Akal Takht. If I get a call, I will submit my clarification,” he said.

SGPC senior vice-president Raghujit Singh Virk described Sandhu’s remarks as a heinous attempt to defame the Sikh body. He said a request had been made to Akal Takht officiating Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj to summon Sandhu.

He said “Guru di Golak” is meant to manage gurdwara affairs and support social causes as per the teachings of the Sikh Gurus.

“The SGPC manages gurdwara affairs, helps the needy and takes the lead in providing relief during natural disasters. Recently, during floods, the SGPC took the initiative to provide essential goods and high-quality seeds from the ‘Guru di Golak’. Where was the AAP government then?” he said.

SGPC general secretary Sher Singh said that Sandhu’s allegations were baseless and hurt Sikh sentiments. He said the Akal Takht Jathedar had been requested to initiate action against the MLA under the “Sikh rehat maryada”.

An advisor to the Akal Takht officiating Jathedar confirmed that the SGPC’s letter seeking action against Sandhu had been received.