AMRITSAR: In his ongoing criticism, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Talbir Gill has raised questions about the apparent silence of Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami regarding the appointment of a non-Sikh director-principal at Sri Guru Ram Das (SGRD) Institute of Medical Sciences and Research.
This is especially significant considering Dhami himself had voiced concerns about the appointment of a non-Sikh Administrator, who has since been replaced, at Takht Sachkhand Sri Hazur Abchalnagar Sahib in Maharashtra.
In a video message shared on his Facebook page, Gill expressed his respect for all religions and people of different faiths.
He also aligned himself with Dhami's stance against the appointment of non-Sikhs in Sikh institutions.
However, he questioned the silence maintained by Dhami regarding the appointment of Anupama Mahajan, a non-Sikh, as the director-principal of SGRD Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, which operates under the jurisdiction of SGPC.
Recently, Talbir raised concerns about alleged multiple lapses in SGPC's management, claiming that these issues had tarnished the reputation of Akali leaders. Notably, he highlighted the unfortunate incident of electrocution involving an SGPC sewadar at Gurdwara Shaheed Ganj.
He asked, "Is it logical to protest a non-Sikh appointment in Nanded while appointing a non-Sikh at SGRD Institute of Medical Sciences and Research? Were no Sikh candidates available for the medical institution?"
He also brought up the alleged transfer of two SGPC employees in response to the discontent expressed by a National Investigation Agency (NIA) team during their recent visit to the Golden Temple.
He claimed that these employees were promptly transferred following a phone call from a senior police officer in Amritsar.
"I myself wait in line with the congregation to pay respects in the Golden Temple's sanctum sanctorum," he claimed.
In a video message that lasted over five minutes, the Akali leader launched another verbal attack. He mentioned that an SGPC member from Amritsar had approached him, citing an alleged inhospitable environment within SGPC's offices.
"The member conveyed that SGPC offices are deserted, and jokingly remarked that, contrary to the norm, only managers and other employees—not SGPC members—will be participating in the upcoming president's elections," he said.
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