Wadala questions Takht’s notice to Bibi Jagir Kaur, alleges political motive

Rebel Akali faction leader Gurpartap Singh Wadala on Sunday criticised the notice issued by Akal Takht to former Akali leader and ex-SGPC president Bibi Jagir Kaur, who is currently aligned with the rebel Akali faction.

Wadala questioned whether the notice, linked to the long-settled case of her daughter’s alleged murder in 2000, was a tactic to prevent her from contesting the upcoming SGPC president elections. She had been acquitted by the Punjab and Haryana High Court in 2018, and Wadala emphasised that this personal tragedy should not be politically exploited.

Speaking to the media in Jalandhar, Wadala accused Akal Takht of being misused for political purposes, arguing that such actions aimed at Bibi Jagir Kaur were intended to harm her credibility ahead of the SGPC elections. He pointed out the suspicious timing of the notice, arriving just a month before the elections, and suggested that it may be an attempt to block her potential candidacy.

Wadala highlighted Bibi Jagir Kaur’s significant experience within the SGPC and her popularity among members, adding that these factors could make her a strong candidate for the presidency. He further criticised the involvement of Akali Dal leaders in the complaints filed against her, alleging that these complaints were politically motivated to undermine her.

He also raised concerns about the misuse of Akal Takht for political complaints, stating that the body should not be involved in matters that fall outside its religious jurisdiction. Wadala was accompanied by leaders Sucha Singh Chotepur and others, who echoed concerns about the political motivations behind the notice and its implications for the upcoming SGPC elections.