CHANDIGARH, Aug. 4 -- The Global Sikh Council (GSC), representing Sikh organisations from nearly 30 countries, has urged Singh Sahib Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, to assume direct leadership of the Sikh Panth, citing the current political and social challenges facing Punjab.
In a representation adopted by its Executive Committee, the GSC invoked the Sikh principles of Miri-Piri and Guru Granth-Guru Panth, saying Sri Akal Takht Sahib has historically guided the Panth during periods of crisis through its Jathedar.
The Council expressed concern over the fragmentation of Akali politics, noting that of the 11 registered Akali Dal factions, only the Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal) won seats in the 2022 Punjab Assembly elections. It said the divisions had weakened Sikh political representation at a time when Punjab faced issues such as law and order, drug abuse, river water disputes and rising debt.
The GSC appealed to the Jathedar to bring all Akali Dal factions, including those led by Sukhbir Singh Badal, Giani Harpreet Singh, Simranjit Singh Mann and Amritpal Singh, onto a common platform for the next Assembly elections through a consensus-based seat-sharing arrangement. It also suggested constituting a five-member presidium or appointing a consensus leader if required. mpost
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.