Punjab Govt Withdraws Security of Sant Baba Ghala Singh, Political Row Erupts

February 24, 2026

Ludhiana: The Punjab government withdrew the security of Sant Baba Ghala Singh, head of Thath Nanaksar Kaleran in Ludhiana. The withdrawal of his security sparked a political uproar. On February 19th, Sant Baba Ghala Singh took the microphone at a horse show event and urged the community to support the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD).

Former Deputy Chief Minister and SAD President Sukhbir Badal was also present at the event. Following the event, the Punjab government issued instructions to remove Sant Baba Ghala Singh’s security. His security personnel have been recalled. Baba Ghala Singh no longer has any security personnel with him.

The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) accused the Punjab government of vendetta politics. Sukhbir Badal described the government’s narrow-mindedness and said that removing Sant Baba Ghala Singh’s security was pure vendetta politics.

One SI and three personnel were deployed

For nearly 20 years, an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) and three security personnel were deployed to protect Sant Baba Ghala Singh. According to representatives from Nanaksar Kaleran, the government has now withdrawn all these personnel, and Sant Baba Ghala Singh no longer has any security personnel.

Baba had raised his hands in support of SAD at the horse show.

Shiromani Akali Dal’s Jagraon constituency in-charge and former MLA SR Kaler said that Sant Baba Ghala Singh was the chief guest at the horse show held on February 19 and SAD chief Sukhbir Badal was present as a guest at the same event.

At the same event, he had urged the congregation to raise their hands and vote for the SAD. Kaler alleges that the government, angered by this, has withdrawn his security. He said that if the government does not restore his security, the SAD will stage protests.

Thath Nanaksar Kaleran can spoil the electoral mathematics of the government

The followers of Thath Nanaksar Kaleran number in the millions. They have direct influence on more than a dozen seats in Ludhiana and Moga, while Nanaksar Kaleran followers are present in every assembly constituency in Punjab. Removing Saint Baba Ghala Singh’s security could disrupt the government’s electoral calculations in the 2027 assembly elections.

Jathedar Giani Gadgaj condemned the removal of security

Acting Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Kuldeep Singh Gadgaj, said that the law and order situation in Punjab is poor. Sant Baba Ghala Singh travels around spreading Sikhism. He has had security for many years.

He made it clear that if anything happens to Baba Ghala Singh, the government will be responsible for it. Meanwhile, SGPC member Giani Gurcharan Singh Grewal termed it as “politics of revenge” and demanded a reconsideration of the security of Sant Baba Ghala Singh.

Sukhbir Badal said government is “narrow-minded”

Akali Dal President Sukhbir Singh Badal said, the withdrawal of the saint’s security shows that Punjab government is “narrow-minded.” He said that given the sensitive situation in Punjab, the government should immediately restore Sant Baba Ghala Singh’s security. He strongly condemned the decision.