AI Generated Summary
- For the first time in history, a conflict is being witnessed between two Sikh Takhats, which urgently needs to be resolved—otherwise, it could lead to serious consequences in the days to come.
- The controversy began when Giani Kuldeep Singh Gadhgaj, from Sri Akal Takht Sahib, issued an order pardoning former Takht Patna Sahib Jathedar Ranjit Singh Gohar, who had been declared tankhaiya (excommunicated) and expelled from the Panth.
- In response, the Jathedar of Takht Patna Sahib, along with the Five Beloved Ones (Panj Pyare), declared Giani Kuldeep Singh Gadhgaj and Giani Tek Singh as tankhaiya, holding them responsible for a conspiracy.
For the first time in history, a conflict is being witnessed between two Sikh Takhats, which urgently needs to be resolved—otherwise, it could lead to serious consequences in the days to come. The youth are already drifting away from Sikhism due to such controversies, yet sadly, no one seems willing to address this issue.
In Sikh society, Jathedars (religious heads) bear a special responsibility to resolve internal disputes and bring the entire community together under one Nishan Sahib (Sikh flag). However, today the Jathedars themselves are at the center of controversy, raising the question—who will now bring unity among them, and how?
The controversy began when Giani Kuldeep Singh Gadhgaj, from Sri Akal Takht Sahib, issued an order pardoning former Takht Patna Sahib Jathedar Ranjit Singh Gohar, who had been declared tankhaiya (excommunicated) and expelled from the Panth. The order reinstated him to his previous duties. Along with this, the current Jathedars of Takht Patna Sahib, Giani Baldev Singh and Giani Gurdayal Singh, were removed from their positions.
In response, the Jathedar of Takht Patna Sahib, along with the Five Beloved Ones (Panj Pyare), declared Giani Kuldeep Singh Gadhgaj and Giani Tek Singh as tankhaiya, holding them responsible for a conspiracy. They gave Sukhbir Singh Badal ten days to appear and present his stance on the issue.
Ideally, Sukhbir Singh Badal should have appeared before the Takht and presented his explanation—and it’s believed he wanted to. However, some of his advisors dissuaded him from doing so, which only escalated the situation. After 40 days, when he still hadn’t appeared, Takht Patna Sahib declared him tankhaiya.
This declaration shook Punjab’s political circles. As soon as the decision was announced against Sukhbir Badal, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gadhgaj sprang into action to protect his political patron. He, in turn, declared Harpal Singh Johal, Dr. Gurmeet Singh, and Giani Gurdayal Singh—all members of Takht Patna Sahib—as tankhaiya.
This entire issue has sparked concern among Sikh intellectuals around the world. They believe that all five Takhats hold equal honor, and instead of creating divisions or hierarchy, all Jathedars should come together to resolve such issues in the interest of the Panth.
Many who previously ignored Akal Takht Sahib’s edicts for their political gains are now ironically invoking its authority. The Jathedars must now understand their moral duty, rise above political influence, and work toward unity and a permanent solution. Putting the entire Sikh community at risk for the sake of one individual is unacceptable under any circumstance.
