With SAD ‘reaching out’ to Nihangs, Gargaj may address Sikhs on Bandi Chhor Diwas

Akal Takht officiating Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargaj is likely to deliver the annual address to the Sikh community on Bandi Chhor Diwas from the rostrum of the temporal seat on October 21.

The development assumes significance as Gargaj had refrained from delivering the ceremonial address to the Sikhs on the Operation Bluestar anniversary on June 6 following Opposition from various Sikh bodies, including Nihangs.

The Opposing Sikh bodies had contended that he was not appointed after taking approval from the entire Panth and as per the Sikh code of conduct in March this year. Gargaj’s appointment had taken place after temporal heads of the Akal Takht and Damdama Sahib were removed in a controversial move by the SAD-dominated Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC).

According to sources, senior SAD leaders recently held a meeting with leaders of Nihang Sikh bodies, urging them to tie a “dastar” — a ceremonial turban —to Gargaj, giving their approval to his appointment. If the Nihang bodies allow him to deliver the address, it would be considered their tactical approval.

Spike in footfall of devotees

Footfall of devotees has spiked ahead of Bandi Chhor Diwas at the Golden Temple. Three lakh devotees are likely to pay obeisance at the shrine on the day. Golden Temple general manager Bhagwant Singh Dhangera said more members of the SGPC task force would be deployed for better management.