AAP Government, SGPC at loggerheads over Sikh Gurdwara Amendment Bill
The Hindu
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the body responsible for the management of gurdwaras, and Punjab’s ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) are at loggerheads over the recently passed Sikh Gurdwaras (Amendment) Bill, 2023 in the State Assembly.
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the body responsible for the management of gurdwaras, and Punjab’s ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) are at loggerheads over the recently passed Sikh Gurdwaras (Amendment) Bill, 2023 in the State Assembly.
The AAP Government in Punjab asserts that “the Bill is aimed at freeing the rights to telecast Gurbani [sacred hymn],” even as the SGPC on Monday dismissed the Bill and asked the State Government to withdraw it, or be ready to face an “intensified struggle”.
Also Read | SGPC asks Punjab Governor to ‘nullify’ Sikh Gurdwaras (Amendment) Bill
In a special general session of the SGPC held in Amritsar, the Sikh body rejected the Bill and called for its strong opposition at all levels. At the session, SGPC members condemned what they termed “the Punjab Government’s interference in the Sikh Gurdwaras Act, 1925 and the management of SGPC” and announced that this would not be tolerated at any cost.
According to a resolution passed in the meeting, the government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has been asked to “withdraw the Sikh Gurdwaras (Amendment) Bill, 2023, 66994009r be ready to face an intensified struggle”.
SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami said that an amendment to the Sikh Gurdwaras Act, 1925 was possible only with the recommendation of the SGPC. “...Before making any amendment to the Sikh Gurdwaras Act, the approval of two-thirds of the members of the SGPC’s general house cannot be ignored. However, the Punjab Government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is making this interference with the aim of implementing the anti-Sikh ideology of his Delhi-based boss and Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal and to usurp the Sikh organisation, the SGPC,” Mr. Dhami said.
“It is surprising that the specially called session [of the SGPC] was used only as a platform for criticising him [Mr. Kejriwal],” Mr. Mann said, meanwhile.
Sambhal mosque controversy
The Hindu Morning Digest gives a select list of stories to start the day. Read the top news today on November 27, 2024
Bengaluru publishers face backlash over new quality affidavit rule for pending dues, sparking demands for fairness and transparency.
Indian space program milestones, satellite launches, private sector initiatives, and upcoming missions summarized by space enthusiast Pradeep Mohandas.
RMC Chennai predicts cyclonic storm, leading to exam postponements and school closures in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
Controversial statement by Chandrashekhar Swami calls for stripping Muslims of voting rights for peaceful coexistence, sparking outrage.
VIT Chennai partners with Vijaya Electronics to develop cutting-edge DC motor for specific application, aiming for transformative impact.
In October 2024, RGIA recorded nearly 2.5 million passengers, a 22% increase compared to October 2023.
Mahindra & Mahindra unveils electric SUVs BE 6e and XEV 9e with 500-km range, competitive pricing, and cutting-edge features.
N Chandrababu Naidu directs officials to develop iconic Deep Technology building in Amaravati, focusing on AI and innovation.
A 24-year-old cryptocurrency trader lost tether coins worth ₹46 lakh after he was cheated by three persons claiming to be buyers of crypto coins in exchange for Indian currency. A FIR has been registered at the CEN police station.