Archive · 7 Jun 2025
Akal Takht Jathedar Skips Speech, Sparking Controversy Over Appointment
On the anniversary of Operation Bluestar, a military action at the Golden Temple, the Akal Takht jathedar, a religious leader, didn't give his usual speech due to pressure from Sikh groups.
These groups opposed his appointment.
Instead of speaking, he prayed, and the SGPC president led the ceremony.
This break from tradition aimed to prevent conflict.
There were protests with pro-Khalistan slogans, and a parallel jathedar also spoke.
The Damdami Taksal wants future jathedar appointments to involve all Sikh groups for broader agreement to avoid disputes.
Akal Takht jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj did not deliver his traditional address at the anniversary of Operation Bluestar.
The decision followed pressure from Sikh religious organizations, particularly Damdami Taksal.
SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami led the ceremony instead of the jathedar, breaking with tradition.
Pro-Khalistan slogans were raised during the event by radical Sikh organizations.
Damdami Taksal plans to push for a new appointment process involving broader consultation.
- Who
- Akal Takht jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj and Damdami Taksal chief Baba Harnam Singh Khalsa, along with other Sikh organizations.
- What
- The Akal Takht jathedar refrained from delivering his customary address on the anniversary of Operation Bluestar, a break from tradition due to pressure.
- When
- On the 41st anniversary of Operation Bluestar, a day marked as Ghallughara Diwas.
- Where
- Akal Takht in Amritsar.
- Why
- To avoid confrontation, preserve peace, and due to objections regarding the jathedar's appointment.
Akal Takht Jathedar and Supporters
Damdami Taksal & other Sikh Organizations
Public Perception
Akal Takht Jathedar and Supporters
Gargaj taking a step back and giving his ‘message' through the ardas he performed helped him gain an element of sympathy.
Damdami Taksal & other Sikh Organizations
The Akal Takht jathedar's actions are seen as a sign of weakness by those who disagree with his appointment.
- Event
- 41st Anniversary of Operation Bluestar
- Location
- Akal Takht, Amritsar
- Key Figure
- Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj (Akal Takht Jathedar)
- Significant Group
- Damdami Taksal
- Action
- Jathedar did not deliver customary address.
- Result
- Peaceful commemoration with SGPC president leading the ceremony.
Sources
Peace formula behind averting clash on Operation Bluestar anniversary: Backroom parleys; the upshot: Upper hand for Taksal chief, some sympathy for Gargaj
Under pressure, Akal Takht jathedar skips speech on Operation Bluestar anniversary; breaks tradition; SGPC chief steps in, honours ‘martyrs’