JALANDHAR, Punjab—All arrangements appear to have been completed to suspend the Jathedar of the fifth Takht of the Sikh community, Jathedar Balwant Singh Nandgarh.
Jathedar is being suspended for his involvement in the issue of the Nanakshahi Calendar. According to reliable sources, Jathedar Nandgarh opposed the new date for celebrating the birthday of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. But the SGPC and Akali Leadership celebrated the birthday of Guru Gobind Singh Ji on 28 December at Takht Sri Damdama Sahib and by organizing a Nagar Kirtan on 26 December, they intimated to Jathedar Nadgarh that they don’t care about him.
It is notable that Jathedar Nandgarh didn’t participate in the Nagar Kirtan and he blamed SGPC for becoming a puppet of RSS. Sources said that all the members of SGPC of this area were asked to participate in this Nagar Kirtan. Especially Sant Samaj, who staunchly favors the new Bikrami Calendar, participated in this Nagar Kirtan with full joy. Some people are also saying that though Akali Dal has raised the slogan of distinctness of the Sikh community, their clash with Jathedar Nandgarh will wash out the reality of new activities of Akali Dal.
It is worth mentioning that Jathedar Nandgarh explained earlier that Sukhbir Badal sent his two representatives to force him to resign from his post. After the denial of Jathedar Nandgarh, Shiromani Akali Dal has started activities to suspend him from his Post. According to reliable sources, SGPC members of that area also complained about Jathedar Nandgarh to Sri Akal Takht Sahib after receiving instructions from Shiromani Akali Dal.
Debate is going on over three names about the new Jathedar to be appointed. Sant Samaj and Members of SGPC are advocating the name of Baba Sukhchain Singh Dharampura. He played a vital role in Nagar Kirtan of 26 December. Similarly, Buta Singh (SGPC Member, Mansa) and S. Amrik Singh Kot Shamir are also being considered for this post. Jathedar Nandgarh has decided to celebrate the birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh Ji on 5th of January, following the Nanakshahi Calendar. But it seems sure that he will be suspended from his Post much earlier than it.
The issue of Bikrami Calendar has divided the whole Sikh community in two parts. It is notable that the Nanakshahi Calendar was implemented by SGPC in 2003, but the present leadership of SGPC terminated the Nanakshahi Calendar and implemented the Bikrami Calendar. SGPC leadership is blamed for being a puppet of RSS in this issue.
It looks taht the SGPC, BJP, RSS, CONGRESS and punjab chief minister
all are working together against SIKHI KAUM.