SGPC Turmoil: President Dhami Resigns Amidst Jathedar Removal Controversy

SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami resigns after the contentious dismissal of Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh from Takht Damdama Sahib. Dhami cites moral responsibility following backlash and internal conflict within the Sikh community and SGPC's strained relations with Shiromani Akali Dal.

In a significant development, the president of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), Harjinder Singh Dhami, announced his resignation on Monday. This decision follows the controversial removal of Giani Harpreet Singh from his role as Jathedar of Takht Damdama Sahib. Speaking to ANI, Mr. Dhami clarified that this resignation is in response to the executive committee's earlier removal decision. He emphasized his unwavering devotion to Sri Akal Takht Sahib.

The dismissal of Giani Harpreet Singh has sparked wider controversy, particularly with remarks from Giani Raghbir Singh, who condemned the action as 'extremely condemnable and unfortunate.' In light of the situation, Mr. Dhami expressed his readiness to take moral responsibility, tendering his resignation as SGPC President. The February 10 decision to remove Harpreet Singh arose out of reported internal strife, disciplinary issues, and criticism of his response, or lack thereof, during critical moments in Sikh affairs.

The controversy traces back to December 2024, when Giani Harpreet Singh and other high priests imposed religious penalties on Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal and other leaders due to their actions during their tenure in the Punjab government between 2007 and 2017. This initiated a rift between SGPC, historically aligned with SAD, and the Jathedars, leading to Giani Harpreet Singh's short-lived suspension and subsequent investigation into allegations against him, including his criticized response during Amritpal Singh's 2023 standoff at Ajnala police station.