CHANDIGARH-Aam Aadmi Party on Thursday questioned the functioning of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee and pointed out the direct interference of the Badal family in its affairs, stating that the Sikh community’s highest institution has been reduced to a centre of corruption. Majitha constituency in-charge Talbir Singh Gill raised a series of concerns over alleged financial irregularities, sale of gurdwara properties, and the conduct of senior Akali leaders.
Talbir Singh Gill said, “The Sikh community’s highest institution, the SGPC, has today become a centre of corruption, and the Badal family is directly behind it. It is shocking to see what is happening within an institution that is meant to safeguard the faith and resources of the Panth.”
Referring to the alleged sale of land belonging to Gurdwara Sri Amb Sahib, he said, “It is difficult to believe how a manager could carry out such a big scam without the patronage of some influential political backing. The manager is merely a pawn, while the real game is being played by the masters sitting behind the scenes. There is a strong apprehension that SGPC’s valuable properties are being sold to collect funds for the upcoming elections so that the Badal Dal can save its political ground.”
Citing the recent statement of Giani Raghbir Singh Ji, Talbir Singh Gill said, “It is painful to hear that Shri Akhand Path Sahib slots are being sold for Rs 5 lakh. After the Jathedar Sahib’s revelations of ration scams worth crores and bribes for path slots, SGPC President Dhami should immediately resign. Calling these scams small matters and protecting those who are looting the Guru’s Golak is unacceptable.”
He further questioned senior Akali leaders, stating, “If Sukhbir Badal and Majithia consider Sri Akal Takht Sahib supreme, then why do they not show the Sangat the receipt of depositing the money for advertisements worth Rs 90 lakh? Despite the Hukamnama, not depositing the money proves that they are absconders and guilty in the eyes of Akal Takht Sahib. Akali Dal and SGPC only want to place their own bootlickers who fill their pockets in posts like manager and secretary. The drama of taking back 85 departments from one secretary is nothing but a sham.”
Leveling further allegations, Talbir Singh Gill said, “Some special members of SGPC have occupied lands of gurdwaras. The limit was crossed when wheat sent by the Sangat for the Langar of Sri Darbar Sahib was sold and one special member pocketed it, and for two years the money was not paid. Those who can eat the wheat of the Guru’s Langar cannot be expected to work for the welfare of the Panth.”
Issuing a warning, he added, “No matter how many rallies Sukhbir Badal and Majithia hold or how many apology letters they write, now Akal Purakh and the Guru’s Sangat will never forgive them. I appeal to the honest members of SGPC to unite and raise their voice against this corruption and protect the dignity of the institution.”