Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has criticised the removal of two top Sikh religious leaders, calling it an act of revenge.
The two leaders, Giani Raghbir Singh, the Jathedar of the Akal Takht, and Giani Sultan Singh, the Jathedar of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, were dismissed by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), which manages Sikh gurdwaras.
The SGPC appointed Giani Kuldeep Singh Gadgaj as the new Jathedar of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib. He will also serve as the acting Jathedar of the Akal Takht until a permanent replacement is chosen.
Mann, responding to the decision, said that politics should learn from religion, not the other way around. He also called for SGPC elections to be held. Speaking at an event, he criticised Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leaders, including Sukhbir Singh Badal, for first accepting their mistakes and then removing the Jathedars, calling it an act of vengeance.
In December last year, the Akal Takht had given religious punishment to SAD leaders, including Badal, for mistakes made during their time in power from 2007 to 2017. The dismissed Jathedars were among the five Sikh clergy members who had announced this punishment.
Earlier, another Jathedar, Giani Harpreet Singh, was removed from his position as Jathedar of Takht Sri Damdama Sahib on February 10.
The SGPC justified removing Giani Raghbir Singh, saying his leadership was not strong enough to guide the Sikh community and that his inconsistent decisions weakened unity. However, Giani Harpreet Singh condemned the decision, calling it a "black day" for Sikhs.
Many political leaders have also criticised the move, saying some leaders are interfering with religious matters for political gain.
Also Read: Giani Raghbir Singh replaced, Kuldeep Singh takes charge
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