Archive · 24 May 2025
Rajoana or Hawara? Factions Clash Over Akal Takht Jathedar
There's a debate in the Sikh community about who should lead the Akal Takht, a key religious seat.
Some within the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) reportedly want Balwant Singh Rajoana, who is in jail, to be the leader.
Others, who organized the Sarbat Khalsa, favor Jagtar Singh Hawara, also in jail.
They disagree on how the leader should be chosen.
Meanwhile, the SGPC, a Sikh organization, is holding off on putting up a picture of a former Prime Minister because some people disagree with it.
Rumors suggest SAD factions are backing Balwant Singh Rajoana for Jathedar.
Sarbat Khalsa organizers support Jagtar Singh Hawara for the Jathedar position.
Balwant Singh Rajoana is currently incarcerated.
The SGPC has deferred displaying a portrait of Dr. Manmohan Singh.
There are conflicting views on the legitimacy of the current officiating Jathedar.
- Who
- Factions within Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and organizers of the Sarbat Khalsa.
- What
- Rumors and differing viewpoints regarding the appointment of the Jathedar of Akal Takht.
- When
- Recent discussions and events.
- Where
- Punjab, particularly related to Akal Takht and SGPC.
- Why
- Differing views on the appointment of the Jathedar of Akal Takht and influence within the Sikh community.
Sarbat Khalsa Supporters
Shiromani Akali Dal Faction
Jathedar Appointment
Sarbat Khalsa Supporters
Advocate for Jagtar Singh Hawara's recognition as Jathedar, emphasizing selection by the Sangat (community).
Shiromani Akali Dal Faction
Rumored to support Balwant Singh Rajoana, potentially aligning with SAD's influence and Badal family.
Current Jathedar's Legitimacy
Sarbat Khalsa Supporters
Critical of current officiating Jathedar, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, for lack of widespread acceptance.
Shiromani Akali Dal Faction
Potentially seeks a permanent Jathedar, possibly similar to Gargaj's current role.
- Key Figures
- Balwant Singh Rajoana, Jagtar Singh Hawara, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, Sukhbir Singh Badal
- Alleged Involvement
- Balwant Singh Rajoana: Assassination of Beant Singh, Jagtar Singh Hawara: Mastermind of Beant Singh's assassination
- Organizations Mentioned
- Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), Sarbat Khalsa, Sikh Youth Federation, All India Sikh Students Federation
- SGPC's Decision
- Deferred displaying Dr. Manmohan Singh's portrait