Chandigarh: A delegation led by Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami on Friday reached Nanded to join the protest over the proposed amendments to the Nanded Sikh Gurdwara Sachkhand Sri Hazur Abchalnagar Sahib Act, 1956, by the Maharashtra government.
The delegation of SGPC and SAD will take part in protest (Dharna) held by Hazur Sahib Sangat.
SAD Leader Daljit Singh Cheema in a post on X said, “A high level joint delegation of SGPC & SAD led by SGPC President S Harjinder Singh Dhami has reached Sachkhand Sri Hazur Sahib, Nanded. Other members of the delegation are SAD Spokesman & Former Cabinet Minister Dr Daljit Singh Cheema, SGPC General Secretary S Rajinder Singh Mehta, Member SGPC S Ajmer S Khera.”
“The delegation will join the protest dharna being organised by Hazur Sahib Sangat against the latest amendment passed by Maharashtra Cabinet in the Hazur Sahib Board Act. It is worth mentioning that keeping in view the gravity of the situation, Singh Sahib Giani Sultan Singh, Jathedar Sri Kesgarh Sahib, Anandpur Sahib has also reached Abchal Nagar, Nanded on behalf of Jathedar Sri Akal Takhat Sahib”, he added.
The Takhat Hazur Sahib in Nanded in Maharashtra is one of the five Takhats (high temporal seats) of Sikhs and is of great historical importance as the 10th Guru of Sikhs, Guru Gobind Singh, passed away there.
The decision to amend the Act that will increase the number of the government’s nominees to the religious body’s board has drawn criticism from SGPC president Dhami who said it was “sad, condemnable and a direct interference” in Sikh affairs “which cannot be tolerated”. He has now written a letter to Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, seeking an appointment to discuss this issue.
Singh, Jathedar Sri Kesgarh Sahib, Anandpur Sahib has also reached Abchal Nagar, Nanded on behalf of Jathedar Sri Akal Takhat Sahib.