With Raghbir Singh on stage, SAD faction alleges corruption in SGPC at Holla Mohalla conference

Patiala: Shiromani Akali Dal (Punar Surjit) on Tuesday alleged corruption within the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) during its political conference held alongside the Holla Mohalla celebrations at Anandpur Sahib in Ropar district.Former Akal Takht jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh, in his address, attacked the Badal-led faction of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), accusing its leadership of eroding the SGPC's credibility among the Sikh community. Raghbir Singh referred to the case of a chartered accountant arrested in connection with the alleged disappearance of 328 saroops of Guru Granth Sahib, claiming that funds linked to him were yet to be recovered. He further alleged that while the SGPC is owed Rs 8 crore by a private channel, the broadcaster has failed to clear its annual Rs 2 crore obligation to the committee since 2023. He urged the Sikh community to support former Akal Takht jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh in efforts to "restore transparency and maryada" within Sikh institutions. Raising concerns over alleged religious conversions in Punjab's border districts, he claimed some Sikh students were identifying as Christians to avail fee concessions. Raghbir Singh further accused the faction led by Sukhbir Singh Badal of straying from traditional Akali principles. Referring to the Akal Takht proceedings of Dec 2, 2024, he described the leadership's public acceptance of mistakes as "symbolic and insincere," alleging it was followed by public ridicule and internal discord. Former Akal Takht jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh also addressed the gathering, accusing the Badal leadership of undermining the sanctity of the Akal Takht. He alleged that Raghbir Singh's removal was directly linked to his vocal criticism of SGPC functioning. Projecting SAD (Punar Surjit) as a corrective force, he raised the slogan, "Bring SAD (Punar Surjit) and save Punjab." Former MP Prem Singh Chandumajra described the removal of Raghbir Singh as "institutional overreach" and called for unity within Akali ranks to revive the party's foundational ideology. The conference was held along the Anandpur Sahib–Kiratpur Sahib road amid large crowds visiting for Holla Mohalla. Organisers said the objective was to mobilise support for "panthic reform" and assert Punjab's political voice against the centralisation of power. In addition to SAD (Punar Surjit), SAD (Amritsar) also held a political conference in Anandpur Sahib on Tuesday. The SAD and the SGPC did not issue an immediate response to the allegations at the time of filing this report. MSID:: 128976173 413 |