The Fact News Service
Chandigarh, August 11
Senior Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leaders Maheshinder Singh Grewal and Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema on Monday accused former Jathedar of Sri Akal Takhat Sahib, Giani Harpreet Singh, of “lowering the dignity” of the highest Sikh temporal seat by openly defying its December 2, 2024, Hukamnama.
“It is shocking that Harpreet Singh is violating the very Hukamnama he signed himself,” Grewal said, alleging that the former Jathedar had become “the first ex-Akal Takhat head to defy the supreme seat of Miri-Piri” established by Guru Hargobind Sahib.
The SAD leaders dubbed the group led by Giani Harpreet as an “Agency Dal,” claiming it was a “sponsored faction” created by central agencies to weaken the Khalsa Panth and Punjab. According to them, the December 2 edict had explicitly barred Sikh leaders from floating separate factions against the SAD, making Harpreet Singh’s move a direct breach.
Grewal further accused Harpreet Singh of “acting as a Trojan Horse for Delhi” at a time when SAD was fighting Punjab’s Land Grabbing Policy and taking up key Sikh issues.
He also questioned the former Jathedar’s track record, alleging he spent his tenure travelling in business class, collecting funds in the Panth’s name, and backtracking on his earlier statement to only lead the community if unanimously chosen.
Dr. Cheema said Punjab was facing “a dual assault” — one on its fertile lands through forced acquisitions and the other on its religious institutions.He criticised Harpreet Singh for “belittling himself” by heading a small political outfit and accused him of acting on instructions from central forces.
Cheema also condemned the withdrawal of the Fakhr-e-Kaum honour from former CM Parkash Singh Badal, calling it an attempt to erase his legacy without cause.
