FREMONT, California, USA—In an unprecedented move, the San Jose Gurdwara Committee (SJGC) in California has openly aligned itself with SAD(B) and Kala Afghana. The move comes as a shock to many as the SJGC has decided to formally intervene in the Supreme Council elections at nearby Fremont Gurdwara Sahib.
SJGC member Sarbjot Singh Sawaddi on Sunday morning posted on Facebook declaring that the entire SJGC has endorsed the Bay Area Sikh Alliance Organization. Previously, Sawaddi has been a known Kala Afghana supporter, flouting Akal Takht Sahib’s mandates, especially when politics around Dasam Granth were very contentious in California in the last decade.
While speaking to Sangat at Fremont Gurdwara Sahib, Sikh24 heard one constant refrain “Why is San Jose interfering in the Gurdwara here? Why can’t they leave us alone?”
Others also expressed fear of what a SAD(B) + Kala Afghana nexus would mean for the Gurdwara. Avtar Singh Dhami, the main head of the BASA slate, has openly supported Gurbax Kala Afghana who was kicked out of the Sikh Panth for questioning Dasam Bani and Nitnem banis along with Gurmantar and Mool Mantar. During Sarbat Khalsa last year and the local planning in California, sangat across the State passed resolutions condemning association with Badal by any Sikhs.
Sikh24 has also learnt from internal sources that SJGC’s endorsement for BASA slate did not take all members into consideration. There was a split vote, however, the senior committee members are undermining the status of other members in a bid to take over California’s largest Panthik gurdwara and institute.
During the past 4 years of its tenure at the Fremont Gurdwara Sahib, the Sikh Panchayat has taken over several key initiatives, including rebuilding of the kitchen for langar, Khalsa School building, as well as several projects for the youth and children there.
