Anandpur Sahib, April 13, 2025 — A fiery confrontation unfolded today between Punjab Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains and the Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, during a public event in Anandpur Sahib. What began as a question about local infrastructure turned into a charged debate over religious authority and the role of politics in Sikh institutions.
The tension sparked when Jathedar Gargaj demanded answers about the long-pending construction of the road leading to Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib. “Minister Bains, you’ve made announcements from this very stage. When will the road actually be built?” he pressed.
Bains responded with assurances that the work would begin shortly, affirming the government’s commitment. However, the exchange took a controversial turn when the minister brought up his earlier remarks in the Punjab Assembly regarding the appointment and replacement of Sikh Jathedars.
That statement drew a sharp reaction from the Jathedar. “The issue of Jathedars is a Panthic matter, not something to be debated in the Vidhan Sabha,” he retorted. “Sikh religious matters cannot and should not be decided in political forums.”
The public clash highlighted ongoing tensions between state political authorities and religious leadership in Punjab, particularly around the autonomy of Sikh institutions and the perceived overreach of elected officials.
Anandpur Sahib Clash: Minister Bains, Akal Takht Jathedar Argue Over Roadwork and Religious Authority
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