:dateline:The abolishing of�voting rights for Sehajdhari Sikhs in SGPC elections has sparked a new controversy. The decision to abolish voting rights was�facilitated by the ruling Akali Dal-BJP alliance,�though�the Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) has condemned the move. �The conflicting�stances of the two parties have caused�confusion. To familiarize Sikhs�with the Sehajdhari issue, Sikh intellectual S. Baljit Singh Khalsa (Editor, Magazine Vangaar) was interviewed by Sikh activist Pritpal Singh. �
Question: When did the word �Sehajdhari� become popular and what is the controversy about�it?
Answer: �Sehajdhari� became popular during British rule�when it was first used to address the devotees of Gurdwaras in the Sindh belt. Otherwise, this word did not�exist during the period of the Gurus nor during the�rule�of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. �It is not known who invented the word �Sehajdhari� and for what reason.
Bhai Gurdas Ji had written in one of his �Vaars�:�????? ???? ????? ???? ?????? ||
It reveals that the invention of �Khalsa� occurred slowly from Guru Nanak Sahib to Guru Gobind Sahib Ji. The word �Sehajdhari� refers to�a Sikh that is slowly moving towards Sikhi, but is not baptized yet.
Unfortunately, the word �Sehajdhari� is being used for non-practicing and clean shaven persons�these days. Apostate Sikhs are demanding voting rights in SGPC elections which is dangerous for the Sikh religion. Even if we take a glance at the �Mahan Kosh�, written by Bhai Kahan Singh Nabha, the definition�of a ‘Sehajdhari Sikh� given in it is one who has�untrimmed hair.
As per the definition of �Sehajdhari’, apostate or clean shaven Sikhs cannot�be considered �Sehajdhari�.
Question: If �Sehajdhari� Sikhs vote in SGPC elections, what is the�loss to the Sikh community?
Answer: It allows�non-Sikhs and apostate Sikhs to make decisions about�sacred historical shrines. Any clean shaven individual becomes able to influence�how the SGPC works by voting in the elections. This would allow those who are�anti-Sikh to infiltrate Sikh religious spaces. So, it is necessary to abolish the voting rights of apostate Sikhs in SGPC elections and give the voting rights only to Sikhs who are living their lives as per Sikh code of conduct.
People who want to influence control of Sikh shrines should first start practicing Sikhi.
Question: Even those who are �Kesadhari� worship cult chiefs from�Radha Swami, Nirankari, and Noormehal cults. How they could be prevented from voting in SGPC elections? ���
Answer: To prevent �Kesadhari� cult followers from voting in SGPC elections, strict steps need to be taken. The voting rights of a �Kesadhari� cult followers should�be abolished immediately. Similarly, if any elected SGPC member is found guilty of violating the Sikh code of conduct he/she should be suspended from the post with immediate effect.
Question: �A pro-freedom Sikh leader has recently favoured the voting rights of �Sehajdhari� Sikhs in a statement issued a few days back. What do you think about that?
Answer: Whosoever issued such a statement might not have thoroughly deliberated upon the definition of a �Sehajdhari� Sikh. He should�be clear about what he meant by �Sehajdhari� Sikh. Pro-freedom Sikh organizations�ought to deliberate upon every issue before issuing any statement to the media.�
Question: Do you think that the abolishing of voting rights to �Sehajdhari� Sikhs will bring some improvement in the functioning�of SGPC?
Answer: Improvement in the functioning�of SGPC depends on how much the management authorities of SGPC are committed to�Sikh values. If the managing personalities are internally detached from Sikhism then there is no chance of improvement.�
Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji once said that those�Sikhs who do not adhere to�Sikh values are�like donkeys wearing the skin�of a lion.
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