Takht Patna Sahib declares Sukhbir Badal ‘tankhaiya’: Accused of ignoring summons; role in religious row

NEW DELHI: Takht Sri Patna Sahib, one of the five main Sikh religious seats, has declared Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal a ‘tankhaiya’. The term refers to someone found guilty of religious wrongdoing. The decision was announced by Jathedar and head granthi Giani Baldev Singh in Patna on Saturday."Sukhbir Singh Badal is declared 'tankhaiya' for being found guilty of ignoring the orders of the 'Panj Pyare Singh Sahibs' of Takht Sri Patna Sahib," the directive said. According to Takht Patna Sahib’s directive, Badal was a conspirator in the recent conflict involving different Sikh religious authorities. He was summoned three times but did not appear. The directive stated that his absence clearly pointed to his involvement in the controversy. The dispute began on May 21, when the Akal Takht barred Takht Patna Sahib Jathedar Giani Baldev Singh and another granthi from performing their religious duties. Takht Patna Sahib responded by declaring the Akal Takht Jathedar and Takht Damdama Sahib Jathedar ‘tankhaiya’, and also summoned Badal for his alleged role in the matter. Reacting to this, Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami criticised the decision to declare Badal ‘tankhaiya’. He said it was beyond the jurisdiction of Takht Patna Sahib and could create confusion within the Sikh community. Dhami stressed that while Takht Patna Sahib is highly respected, only the Akal Takht has the authority to decide on issues concerning the wider Sikh community. He warned that undermining the Akal Takht could cause serious damage to Sikh traditions and unity. He called for resolution through mutual dialogue and said the Sikh community’s energy should be directed towards collective growth and the promotion of Sikh values, not internal disputes.Badal was earlier declared ‘tankhaiya’ by the Akal Takht in Amritsar in August last year, and later in December was given religious punishment for mistakes linked to the Akali Dal government’s rule in Punjab from 2007 to 2017.