Controversy Prevails After Jathedar Baba Surjeet Singh of Buddha Dal Passes Away

LONDON, UK—Just days after the passing of Baba Surjeet Singh, Jathedar Buddha Dal, a minor controversy has stirred over his successor.  While a number of Nihang factions, along with different representatives of Sikh organizations, have named Baba Prem Singh as the successor of Baba Surjeet Singh, a group of Nihangs based out out England have announced support for Baba Joginder Singh as the Jathedar.

Baba Joginder Singh was working as the acting Jathedar while Baba Surjeet Singh was imprisoned.  He was however visiting England to take part in a camp organized by the nihangs there when Baba Surjeet Singh passed away due to ill health.  In his absence, Baba Prem Singh was given dastar to serve as the Jathedar of the Nihang dal and perform last rites of Baba Surjeet Singh.

The UK Nihangs claim that Baba Prem Singh was only given dastar to perform last rites, and the rightful Jathedar is still Baba Joginder Singh.

Baba Joginder Singh is a respectful leader of the Buddha Dal, who was very close to Baba Surjeet Singh.  He also enjoys close proximity with Baba Prem Singh, however it is being deemed that the UK Nihangs might be misusing him for their vested interests and to gain more influence in one of the oldest Sikh organizations.

The UK group has already been condemned by Takht Sri Hazoor Sahib, along with a number of Nihang Jathebandis for failing to upkeep Sikh values and principles.  “Nihang” Surjeet Bains, also known as Niddar “Singh”, one of the self-proclaimed Buddha Dal leaders in the UK, was ex-communicated by Takht Sri Hazoor Sahib for his controversial acts in the UK. Some allegations against him have included inappropriate conduct with women as well as his views that Sikhs are a part of the Hindu dharam.

Interestingly, the Shiromani Akali Dal (B) and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee had already chosen Baba Balbir Singh as the Jathedar of one of the Buddha Dal factions when Baba Surjeet Singh was imprisoned.