Chandigarh -In a joint press conference held by SGPC members Bibi Paramjit Kaur Landran, Jathedar Satwinder Singh Tohra, Jathedar Malkit Singh Changal, and Jathedar Rampal Singh Bahiniwal, strong objections were raised against the reckless misuse of SGPC money for political gains. The members questioned the ongoing exploitation of the SGPC treasury.
Bibi Paramjit Kaur Landran, while presenting evidence of the political misuse of SGPC funds, said that the Panth’s demand is that SGPC should provide maximum help of every kind to flood-affected areas. But if SGPC money is used through a political leader, the Sikh community will not tolerate it. She revealed that Sukhbir Badal, while visiting Makroor Sahib and Moonak, announced on September 5 that 2, 000 liters of diesel each would be provided for both areas and told constituency in-charge Khandebad that he would personally deliver it. The next day, on September 6, a letter (No. 441) was written from Gurdwara Nanakiana Sahib (under SGPC) to the head office, and in response on September 9 approval was granted for 3, 000 liters of diesel, which was then distributed through Sukhbir Badal’s factional constituency in-charge Gagandeep Singh Khandebad. Evidence of this was presented to the media.
Bibi Landran further revealed that in today’s SGPC executive committee meeting held at Sri Amritsar Sahib, a resolution was passed which proves that after every announcement made by Sukhbir Badal, all the supplies — fodder, rations, utensils, tents, diesel, etc. — were being purchased and sent using SGPC funds. The Sikh Panth demands a public-participation committee inquiry into this misuse. She appealed to the Sikh community to unite and launch a “Gurdwara Reform Movement 2” so that SGPC can be freed from such control.
Jathedar Satwinder Singh Tohra, while releasing videos of political leaders using SGPC treasury, questioned the SGPC President, asking why donations given by devotees — “ten rupees from the Sangat” — were being misused in open political games. He said Sukhbir Badal misled the Sangat by passing off diesel and other items provided by SGPC as his own contributions. He alleged that Sukhbir Singh Badal has been consistently using SGPC funds for political interests.
Jathedar Malkit Singh Changal referred to the recent scandal involving the theft of 450 cement bags, saying the action taken only against employees was eyewash. He demanded that the membership of the SGPC member whose house received those cement bags should be canceled, and a formal case registered to investigate his entire tenure. He emphasized that the Central Government had conducted SGPC elections 14 years ago, but they have been pending for the last 10 years. He demanded that the Central Government immediately hold elections so that honest members could be chosen to manage Gurdwaras and free Guru’s institutions.
Meanwhile, Jathedar Rampal Singh Bahiniwal said that if the Center does not announce elections, then under the leadership of Giani Harpreet Singh, a struggle will be launched to hold them. He added that once the flood situation improves, efforts will be intensified to mobilize the Sikh community for this cause