BIRMINGHAM (England): Leaders of the International Panthic Dal, in a joint statement, strongly condemned the decision taken today by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC). They stated that the silence of Panthic organizations and Sikh sects in India and abroad has once again provided the Badal family with an opportunity to act arbitrarily.
The statement was issued by UK President Bhai Raghbir Singh, International Chief Organizer Bhai Parmjeet Singh Dhadi, General Secretary and Chief Spokesperson Bhai Captain Singh, Italy President Pragat Singh, and Austria President Nachhattar Singh.
The leaders said that the SGPC should have provided a satisfactory response to the questions raised by Singh Sahib Giani Raghbir Singh, Head Granthi, but failed to do so. They alleged that the SGPC is functioning under the control of a single family and does not wish for Panthic decisions to be taken through collective consultation.
They further stated that the Jathedars who had issued directives on December 2, 2024, against the Badal family in the light of Gurmat were systematically humiliated and removed from service.
According to the statement, SGPC President Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami had promised the community that any future appointment or removal of a Jathedar would be decided by a committee formed after consulting the entire Panth. However, this promise was not fulfilled.
The leaders noted that Panthic organizations in the UK, USA, Canada, and Europe had taken firm decisions that the Badal family would not be allowed to act unilaterally, yet many organizations and sects remained silent at the crucial moment. They added that while Giani Raghbir Singh had an opportunity earlier to take a stronger stand, he too did not seize the moment. Therefore, those who remained silent share equal responsibility.