AMRITSAR SAHIB, Punjab—Harcharan Singh, the Chief Secretary of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, has resigned. Despite the strong opposition, the SGPC had appointed him on a high wage at a position that was not designated as per the All India Gurdwara Act of 1925. His resignation has left a wave of shock across the SGPC and other Sikh circles.
Harcharan Singh submitted his resignation, which was accepted by Shiromani Committee President Kirpal Singh Badungar at a meeting in Fatehgarh Sahib at Giani Gurmukh Singh Memorial Hall. Harcharan Singh submitted his resignation after having a long meeting with other SGPC officials.
Prof. Kirpal Singh Badungar was contacted by Sikh24, however he refused to provide any response about Harcharan Singh’s resignation. “Everything will be publicized as time permits, this is not the right time to discuss,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sikh24 has learned from internal sources within the SGPC that its senior leadership wanted to create better relationship with its opposition, this is why it accepted Harcharan Singh’s resignation. The Sikh Sadbhawna Dal led by Bhai Baldev Singh Wadala was greatly opposed to Harcharan Singh’s appointment in the SGPC. Bhai Wadala was building opposition against the Akali Dal and was preparing to contest the SGPC elections.
Harcharan Singh was appointed as SGPC chief secretary in August 2015 by the orders Sukhbir Badal, president of the Akali Dal (Badal). A lawsuit was filed by Bhai Baldev Singh Wadala against the SGPC for appointing Harcharan Singh, which he alleged was against the All India Gurdwara Act.
Speaking with Sikh24 earlier today, Bhai Baldev Singh Wadala expressed his happiness on the resignation of Harcharan Singh. He thanked Guru Sahib and Sikh Sangat for their support.
A big relief for sikh panth.