Nirvair S Khalsa

Nice photograph from Summer 2006:

:BOW: A great loss for the Sikh Panth, a Pooran Mahanpurkh...

Sticky please?

:BOW: :vaheguru: Veerji I am not telling that the listening the katha of Ranjit Sigh ji's wrong.I only tell that to take amrit to1700 pranees is wrong.If you know about AKJ then you also know that the way of giving amrit in AKJ. Please think about what you have just written (line above in bold). This is the type of thinking or claims made by anti-Panthic individuals/organisations.

http://www.sikhsangat.org/news/publish/asia_news/Akal_Takht_chief_for_uniformity_in_maryada123455.shtml http://www.sikhsangat.org/news/publish/asia_news/Goodbye_Jathedar_Joginder_Singh13234.shtml

SAD Vs Akal Takht: Politics overshadows faith The removal of Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti the Jathedar(high priest) of Akal Takht, the highest temporal seat of Sikhs in Amritsar by Shiromani Gurdawara Parbhandak Committee (SGPC) has once again strengthened the belief that politics and religion go hand in hand for Shiromani Akali Dal(SAD), the ruling party in Punjab. Incidentally, SGPC is controlled by SAD. Akal Takht, the source of inspiration for millions of Sikhs is merely a source of political power for SAD. Akalis can't afford to loose control over seat of faith for the sake of their political survival as they draw their power from religion. It is irony that political bosses of SAD have thrown all traditions of appointing Jathedar of Akal Takht to the wind. Traditionally a 'Sarbat Khalsa', the convention of all Sikhs sects and organizations is called to select a learned person for the high post. The Akalis have however steeped low to the practice of 'use and throw' the man and install persons of personal loyalty on spiritual seat. "Not all Sikhs agree to the decisions of SGPC", said Manjit Singh Calcutta former secretary of the religious body. He says political agenda of a particular section of Sikh politicians has been ruining the institution of faith. The unceremonial exit of Jathedar Vedanti and installation of new incumbent Giani Gurbachan Singh was only seen as repetition of past instances in the recent Sikh history. Vedanti was brought in same fashion after removing Giani Puran Singh who was installed after removing Bhai Ranjit Singh. Prior to it Prof. Manjit Singh was sacked to pave way for Bhai Ranjit Singh. For the sake of record, Bhai Ranjit Singh had excommunicated SAD supreme and present Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal for disobeying an edict for unity in the party issued from Akal Takht. He had also summoned editor of a leading Punjabi newspaper to appear before Akal Takht. Bhai Ranjit Singh was sacked overnight. The reason for removal and installation of all Jathedars remains the same-differences with the political masters but issues are different every time. It is understood that Vedanti's increasing proximity with hard liner Sikh organisations on the issue of dera Sacha Sauda and his public opinion to vote for Sikh Prime Minister Dr.Manmohan Singh during UPA government's trust vote on July 22 last were key factors that compelled SGPC to pack up Vedanti. The reports said that Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal had told Vedanti to quit else he shall be expelled. The grapevine is that Badal wants to remove political irritants with dera Sacha Sauda and Vedanti didn't fit in his scheme of things. The first statement issued by new Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh that Sikhs should shun the policy of confrontation with dera Sacha Sauda is an indication in this direction. Giani Gurbachan Singh was long time employee of SGPC who rose to the level of a priest before occupying the post which is equated with the status of Pope in Christianity. Vedanti and Giani Puran Singh were also from the same stream. Bhai Ranjit Singh who had radical inclinations was rewarded for allegedly killing Baba Gurbachan Singh, the head of Nirnakari sect in early 80's. Vedanti has told media that he was forced to quit and his resignation was obtained by two loyalists of Badal who came to his residence with no other option but to quit. He was appointed Jathedar of Akal Takht in March 2000 and was considered a pliable person specially cut out for the job to suit the requirements of Shiromani Akali Dal(SAD) and SGPC. Vedanti did his bit to appease the SAD and in the very fist meeting of five high priests on March 29,2000, in an unprecedented move rejected the three `hukamnamas' ( edicts) issued by his dismissed predecessor Giani Puran Singh and `acquitted' all those who were ex-communicated from the Sikh Panth. Akalis had ignored many of follies of Vedanti till he worked in tendon with them. Vedanti's stand on Nanakshahi calendar introduced by the then SGPC president Bibi Jagir Kaur in 1999 had irked many in the Sikh religion as he had allowed certain amendments under pressure from Sant Samaj. He was instrumental in change of certain historic dates related with birth and demise of Sikh gurus. He was also blamed for working in tandem with RSS to harm the interests of Sikhs. Vedanti also came under fire for editing controversial script of "Gur Bilas Patshahi 6" reprinted by the Dharam Parchar Committee of the SGPC, Amritsar. Gur Bilas Patshahi 6 has regularly been recited in many Gurdwaras in the past. Although Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti and co-editor Prof Amarjit Singh had admitted that it contains some denigrating information, even then they have not tried to distinguish that how much is true and how much goes against the Gurbani and Sikhism leaving the readers in confusion. On another issue of Dasam Granth(attributed to tenth Sikh master Guru Gobind Singh), Vedanti had issued an edict to stop any debate on it since a major section of Sikhs found the contents of Dasam Granth objectionable and not tenable under Sikh traditions. The Sikh hardliners have been demanding ban on Dasam Granth while the members of Sant Samaj were in favour of recognizing it. SGPC has not so far recognized the recitation of 'Dasam Granth' in Sikh shrines due to controversy over its authorship. In the recent past Vedanti had taken hard stand against dera Sacha Sauda head Gurmit Ram Rahim Singh and has joined the hard liners to spearhead an agitation for his arrest. A confrontation between Sikhs and dera is going on for the last two years following dera chief tried to pose as Guru Gobind Singh in front of his followers. Another reason cited for removal of Vedanti is his statement that Sikh MP's should vote for Sikh Prime Minister during trust vote in the parliament on July 22,2008 over nuclear deal. Vedanti's remarks didn't suit Akalis politically. It is learnt that SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal had reprimanded Vedanti on his comments on trust vote. Sikhs institutions are divided over the manner in which Jathedar of highest temporal seat are appointed. However things may not change to the wishes of Sikh nation, because political stakes seems bigger than faith. http://www.punjabnewsline.com/content/view/11659/40/

SAD sets out to placate Vedanti JALANDHAR: With claims and counter-claims by former Akal Takht Jathedar Joginder Singh Vedanti and Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Avtar Singh Makkar helping little in putting to rest the furore over the former’s resignation, SAD(B) bosses now appear to be making efforts to do some damage control. Though CM Parkash Singh Badal and his son Sukhbir Badal had been claiming that they had nothing to do with the resignation as it was an internal matter of the SGPC, CM's adviser Daljit Singh Cheema reportedly met the former Jathedar at his residence on Friday. Sources said Cheema first held a meeting with him and then after some time again visited him accompanied by the SGPC president. It is learnt the visit was an effort to plan the rehabilitation of the former Jathedar. According to sources, the resignation issue had provided meat for adverse publicity against the party, and the Badals want to do some damage control, keeping in view the forthcoming parliamentary polls. However, statements made by Vedanti hinted nothing of the sort. Perturbed over repeated statements about his ill health as the reason for resigning, Vedanti said those who were out to preach about his ill health should first themselves undergo medical examination. Without naming Makkar or anybody else, Vedanti said he was hale and hearty and rather those who were spreading the canard about him should get themselves examined physically and psychologically. When asked then why did he cite health reasons in his resignations, Vedanti argued he wanted to avoid any unsavoury situation as he was conveyed quite categorically that he would be sacked if he would not resign. Meanwhile, sources close to Vedanti also argued that if his resignation was really was as being projected by Makkar, then the former would have sent it himself through his emissary. "That SGPC officials went to the residence of the Jathedar to collect his resignation, despite the fact that he had already expressed a desire to continue for a few more months till the completion of Shatabadi functions, was enough to nail Makkar's lies,'' said a close confidant of Vedanti. It is learnt that the presence of Takht Patna Sahib Jathedar Iqbal Singh at the coronation ceremony of the new Jathedar Gurbachan Singh, and the latter's first directive after assuming office to lift ban on Iqbal's entry in meetings of high priests is also being questioned by the Vedanti camp. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Chandig...how/3344273.cms Cold war between SGPC and Vedanti intensifies Amritsar, August 10 Makkar says they will 'rehabilitate' Vedanti at a suitable post and honour him; ousted Jathedar says he has no time The ongoing cold war between the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee and former Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti following his "unceremonious" exit seems to be intensifying. Vedanti has refused to accept any "honour" from the religious body. Though the SGPC has reiterated its stand of "rehabilitating" Vedanti at a suitable post, he is in no mood for a truck with the committee that facilitated his ouster on CM Parkash Singh Badal's command. When asked about the honour being extended to him, Vedanti said he would discuss the matter with his close confidants, besides he is hard pressed for time as he is busy with religious functions in Delhi and elsewhere. "I do not think there is any need to honour me formally or reserve any post for me," he said. He has also been emboldened after various Sikhs bodies, especially from abroad, came up for his support. "The SGPC had offered me formal farewell and a post in the upcoming religious projects. But I have no plans to take up any such projects," he said. SGPC president Avtar Singh Makkar, who had met Vedanti along with Badal's OSD Daljit Singh Cheema to pacify him, said they were seeking time from the former Jathedar for a "farewell". "We have high regards for Vedanti. We will find a suitable position or post for him to utilise his expertise in Sikh affairs. He says he is busy and we will again talk to him," said Makkar. The detractors of Badal have, meanwhile, started taking potshots at the CM. "Vedanti was a weak Jathedar, but the way he was removed is condemnable," said Khalsa Action Committee convener Bhai Mokham Singh. The KAC, along with Dal Khalsa, Khalra Mission Organisation and other radical bodies, had been demanding codification of powers and areas of influence of the Akal Takht Jathedar. "With this episode, our concerns over the appointment and removal of Jathedar through a properly laid system have been vindicated. It is high time that the Jathedar's post is kept away from politics," said Dal Khalsa' Kanwarpal Singh. Makkar, however, said there was no political pressure and Vedanti himself wanted to step down. He said Vedanti would continue play a major role in the new projects of the SGPC, including the World Sikh University. Former minister and Badal's critic Manjit Singh Calcutta said, "Honouring Vedanti is an after-thought and a 'damage repair exercise'. I have nothing against new Jathedar Gurbachan Singh, but the way Vedanti was removed, it points towards 'political pollution' that has set in and Badal is responsible for it." http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Co...nsifies/347038/

Giani Gurbachan Singh installed new Jathedar of Apex Takht Friday 8th of August 2008 Panthic Weekly News Bureau Amritsar Sahib (KP) The installation of Singh Sahib Giani Gurbachan Singh as Akal Takht Sahib's acting Jathedar was held this past week and was well attended by representatives of different Sikh organizations. Giani Gurbachan Singh was presented with dastars as a robe of honor by Sikh representatives to recognize his installation as the Akal Takht Sahib Jathedar. Several developments came the day the new acting Jathedar was formally installed. Controversial Issues to be decided upon finalization of 300th anniversary Talking from the Akal Takht Sahib Secretariat after his dastarbandhi, Giani Gurbachan Singh said that it is in the Panth's best interests if controversial issues are not touched before the finalization of Guru Granth Sahib Ji's 300th Gurtagaddi divas. He especially mentioned that the issues of the Sacha Sauda Cult and Dasam Granth Sahib will be reviewed in the near future as currently, the attention of all Panthic organizations is set on the celebrations in Hazoor Sahib. While speaking on the case of Gurmeet Ram Rahim, Giani Gurbachan Singh asked the Punjab and Haryana State Governments to put a ban on his anti-Sikh activities. He further told the Sikh Sangat to remain optimistic regarding Gurmeet Ram Rahim's cases in which justice was being delayed to the Sikhs. Giani Iqbal Singh attends function, while former Jathedar Remains Absent An interesting part of the installation ceremonies was that Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti remained absent from the whole event even though he was available locally at his place of residence. Giani Iqbal Singh, Jathedar Takht Sri Patna Sahib, however, was fully involved in the ceremonies and bestowed a dastar on the newly appointed Jathedar. When Giani Gurbachan Singh was asked regarding the new-admittance of Giani Iqbal Singh, he held that one's shortcomings are not considered after they come under the Guru's shelter. It should be noted that Giani Gurbachan Singh had signed the verdict banning Giani Iqbal Singh from future Akal Takht Sahib meetings just a month ago. Appeal to Sikh organization to adhere to Akal Takht Sahib Giani Gurbachan Singh asked Sikh organizations worldwide to adhere to mandates passed by Akal Takht Sahib while staying indifferent to classifications by sub-Sikh organizations. He alleged that while the issues of abortion, dera-vaad, and increased rate of apostasy from the Panth by the youth were on the rise, this was the time all Sikhs needed to work to unify under the banner of Akal Takht Sahib. Call for uniformity in Maryada Giani Gurbachan Singh alleged that there was an important need for the Khalsa Panth to unify its maryada across Gurdwaras, organizations, jathas and other institutions. While no courses of action were announced which would bring such uniformity, Giani Gurbachan Singh alleged that he would work with different organizations so differences in maryada could be eradicated. This announcement has come at a time when some groups are seeking amendments to parts of the Sikh Rehit Maryada approved by Sri Akal Takht Sahib as well as the Nanakshahi Calendar. These groups include the Damdami Taksal, Sant Samaj, Takht Patna Sahib and others. As Giani Iqbal Singh has been readmitted to take part in Panthic matters, to what extend Giani Gurbachan Singh will work with him and others in bringing about this uniformity is yet to be seen. New Head Granthi at Sri Harmandir Sahib, Vedanti also removed as Granthi As now Giani Gurbachan Singh will be working as the acting Jathedar (which automatically gives him the role of Granthi at Sri Harmandir Sahib) he will no longer keep the status of being the Head Granthi there. Instead, the SGPC has already appointed Singh Sahib Giani Jaswinder Singh as the new Head Granthi. Giani Jaswinder Singh was formerly a Granthi at Harmandir Sahib. Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti, who was a Granthi at Harmandir Sahib before he was installed as the Akal Takht Sahib Jathedar, has also lost his position as Granthi. This will ensure a step back to an already short list of sevadars who fulfill important daily tasks at Sri Harmandir Sahib. Whether or not this will lead to a recollection of the dead idea of appointing Giani Jagtar Singh Jachak will be an interesting proposition to watch out for. The idea of appointing a Granthi affiliated with the Missionary College was earlier refused by Akal Takht Sahib. Ceremonies conclude peacefully despite a big chance of a collision Definitely the idea of removing Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti as the Takht Jathedar without consulting other Sikh organization was not going to be spared. As a consequence, the SGPC, along with the SAD, is facing backlash from Panthic organizations in all parts of the world. Where some organizations have served legal notices to the SGPC for wrongfully interfering in matters of Akal Takht Sahib, others have even pledged to remove the modern day pseudo-mahants who have taken over the charge of the SGPC. To avoid any tensions at the ceremony, a large number of SGPC task force employees were deployed all over Sri Harmandir Sahib Complex. However, no clashes or disputes were noticed throughout the ceremonial procedures despite the presence of most Panthic representatives there. http://www.panthic.org/news/125/ARTICLE/4286/2008-08-08.html

Badal & Co. Forces Giani Joginder Singh to Resign Friday 8th of August 2008 Panthic Weekly News Bureau Sri Amritsar Sahib (KP) - After having served as the Akal Takht Sahib Jathedar for over six years, Singh Sahib Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti submitted his resignation as the Jathedar of this apex Takht to the SGPC "based on health reasons" —although it has since come out that the resignation was likely forced by the SGPC. The resignation was handed over to the SGPC at Gurdwara Chevi Patshahi Kurukshetra, where the SGPC rapidly and unilaterally appointed Singh Sahib Giani Gurbachan Singh, head granthi at Darbar Sahib, as the Takht's acting Jathedar without consultation with the rest of the Panth. Unilateral appointment of the Panth's jathedar has happened previously in recent years, ignoring the age old tradition of democratically appointing the jathedar via Sarbat Khalsa. The decision to accept Jathedar Vedanti's resignation and of appointing a new acting Jathedar was formally made by Avtar Makkar, President of the SGPC. He announced that Giani Gurbachan Singh will be installed as the Takht Jathedar on August 7th. Following these declarations by the SGPC President, several organizations raised concerns over the level of the SGPC's involvement in Akal Takht Sahib's working and over the unceremonial replacement of Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti. Avtar Makkar however lashed out during a press conference and held that those individuals who are now questioning Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti's resignation have in the past demanded the same from him. At the meeting which took place in Kurukshetra, some SGPC members also raised concerns over the removal of Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti. These members included Karnail Singh Panjauli and Gurwinder Singh Shampura whose comments were swiftly ignored. Later, addressing a group of press reporters, Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti alleged that he was forced to step down from the position at Akal Takht Sahib. Vedanti alleged that he was asked to step down for "ill-health" or face expulsion—over which he had no control. It is believed that Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti's recent remarks praising Prime Minister Manmohan Singh as a source of inspiration for the Sikhs cost him his position. Manmohan Singh, a member of the Congress Party, is currently facing harsh opposition from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as they seek to replace him as the country's Prime Minister in the forth coming elections. The Akali Dal (Badal), which has a strong grip on the SGPC's internal and external affairs, hold an alliance with the BJP. It is also believed that Giani Joginder Singh's attendance at pro-Khalistan and anti-RSS events in the United States and England were also the main factors that led to his 'forced-resignation'. Recently on his trip to the United States and England, Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti had won the support of pro-Khalistan organizations by declaring that an independent state was the right of the Sikh Nation. As Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti currently enjoyed support from Khalistani organizations, it is believed that the matter of his forced resignation will elevate to become a big issue. Anti-SAD and SGPC individuals and organizations could now easily ally with Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti into leading a strong campaign maligning the two organizations for their anti-Panthic acts. Meanwhile, the SGPC, already aware of this fact after ousting Giani Vedanti from his post on alleged "health grounds", has already established efforts to keep Giani Joginder Singh's support. Soon after removing him from his position, Avtar Makkar, accompanied by Daljit Singh Cheema, paid a visit to the former Jathedar's residence and tried to befriend him so that he doesn't rebel against the Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal) in the near future. Vedanti was assured that his SGPC allotted vehicles and house will not be taken back, while the SGPC will also provide him with a reputable job status. Along with the worry of revolt against the SAD, the SGPC President's actions seem to be triggered by the fact that the DSGMC also offered a high-status position to Giani Vedanti. Shiromani Akali Dal and Delhi Shiromani Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) are rival parties. For Vedanti to join hands with DSGMC would be shameful for the SAD. While controlling the damage, Makkar announced that Giani Vedanti will soon be honored at Akal Takht Sahib for his valuable contributions to the Panth. It was also learned that Jathedar Vedanti has raised talks with several anti-SAD leaders regarding his unceremonial replacement. So far, Vedanti's visit to Manjit Singh Calcutta's residence has been highly publicized by the media. According to confirmations by Vedanti's confidants, his resignation was forced by the SAD and SGPC as Vedanti had spoken in favor of Khalistan at the recent Washington DC Sikh parade. http://www.panthic.org/news/125/ARTICLE/4285/2008-08-08.html

Formerly a Granthi at Sree Harmandhar Saahib, GIANI JASWINDER SINGH is now the new Head Granthi.

Many Sikhs, as well as reliable sources, have alleged the new Jathedhaar is Panthic at heart and a learned Gursikh. This may indeed definitely be the case, but with Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal) controlling the mainstream political affairs of the Khalsa Panth, there is little chance Singh Saahib Giani Gurbachan Singh can put forward the Panthic agenda without being "sacked" by the SGPC, i.e. Akali Dal, i.e. Badal. Even Singh Saahib Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti may have had Panthic interests at heart, which are now slowly emerging in the media (to a certain extent), but he was not able to advance them due to the foolish pressure of those in the real command of Akaal Thakat Saahib. When he did try to oppose those pulling the strings, or went against their views, he was forced to "resign". This is sadly the true unfortunate current state of affairs.

BREAKING NEWS AND INFORMATION Vedanti loses post of Granthi Varinder Walia Tribune News Service Amritsar, August 6 Even as Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti was removed from the post of Granthi, Golden Temple, as well today, he started meetings with rival Akali leaders in a bid to mobilise opinion against the ruling SAD and the SGPC. The former Jathedar held a three-hour meeting with Manjit Singh Calcutta, a veteran SGPC member and bete noire of Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, at latter’s residence here. Meanwhile, the SGPC locked the Akal Takht Secretariat to prevent the entry of the former Jathedar and his confidants. Prithipal Singh Sandhu, personal secretary to Vedanti, said the office was locked after their (Vedanti and Sandhu) visit yesterday. This step was taken by the SGPC so that the former Jathedar could not lay hands on official files and important documents. It is learnt that the former Jathedar had kept some explosive information/record in the secretariat to be used against the Akali Dal and SGPC. The SGPC has deployed its task force on the Akal Takht premises to prevent any untoward incident tomorrow to during the installation of Giani Gurbachan Singh as officiating Jathedar. Some radical Sikhs also met Vedanti at his residence in the Golden Temple complex. It is learnt that Vedanti told Calcutta that he had offered Parkash Singh Badal on July 24, 2006, to step down as Jathedar when the latter pressurised him to withdraw edict against the RSS. The secret meeting, held on July 23, 2006, was held on the premises of local Guru Ram Dass Medical College and attended by BJP’s MP Navjot Singh Sidhu, SGPC chief and senior official of the RSS. Meanwhile, Dr Amarjit Singh, director of “khalistan” centre DC offered Vedanti “political asylum” in the USA for supporting the demand of a separate sovereign Sikh state. The UK-based former adviser to Vedanti, Dr Jasdev Singh Rai, has said the Sikh diaspora might not recognise Giani Gurbachan Singh as Jathedar because they were not taken into confidence before unceremonious removal of Vedanti as Jathedar of Akal Takht. On the other hand, the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee is contemplating moving the Supreme Court against the unceremonious removal of Jathedar Vedanti. Senior Congress leaders from Majha have criticised the SAD leadership for Vedanti’s removal. http://www.tribuneindia.com/2008/20080807/punjab1.htm#6

Post data deleted and added into main news/discussion topic for this issue (Admin can delete this post): http://www.sikhsangat.com/index.php?showtopic=38783

Post data deleted and added into main news/discussion topic for this issue (Admin can delete this post): http://www.sikhsangat.com/index.php?showtopic=38783

A failed attempt to distribute the above mentioned propaganda CD's was also made at the 20th July 2008 Prakash300 programme (at Guru Nanak Sikh School, Hayes, UK) last month by a few anti-Sikh individuals (not the organisers). This foolish minority did not have the nerve to distribute the CD’s themselves, but passed them to a few naïve youths to give out in the name of “Parchaar” and “Panthic Sewa”. Gursikhs got hold of these at a fairly early stage and disposed of them. It seems now the (most likely) same group working for Ragi Darshan and the anti-Panthic elements are foolishly attempting to distribute their propaganda nationally in UK Gurdwara’s. Like at the Prakash300 programme, these people and their propaganda should be dealt with accordingly.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/slideshow/msid-3331009.cms http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/slideshow/msid-3331005.cms

Akal Takht jathedar 'forced' to quit The Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) on Monday forced Joginder Singh Vedanti, jathedar of the Sikhs highest temporal body, the Akal Takht, to quit his position. "Without citing any reason they told me to either sign the resignation letter citing ill health as my reason of my stepping down, or face expulsion. I had no choice," said Vedanti. The SGPC promptly accepted Vedanti's resignation at its scheduled Executive Committee meeting in Kurukshetra on Monday, and elevated the Harmandar Sahib Head Granthi Gurbachan Singh to Acting Jathedar in his place. The dissenting notes of executive Members Karnail Singh Panjauli and Gurwinder Singh Shampura, who challenged the criteria used to appoint and remove Jathedars, were ignored Sources told Hindustan Times that Vedanti had to pay the price of showering praise on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh a couple of days before the UPA government faced the trust vote in Parliament on July 22. Although Vedanti did not issue any hukumnama (religious directive) supporting Manmohan Singh, he did praise Singh for being the symbol of Sikh identity the world over and for his clean image. Vedanti's remarks are believed to have ruffled both Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal and his son Sukhbir, who heads the Shiromani Akali Dal. The SAD, which has an alliance with the BJP, supported the opposition in the trust vote. Even earlier, Vedanti's decision to attend a pro-Khalistan conference in the US had also raised the hackles of the moderates in the party. Vedanti was at his official residence when on behalf of SGPC president Avtar Singh Makkar, executive members Sukhdev Singh Bhaur and Rajinder Singh Mehta approached him around 9pm and told him to sign the resignation letter. SPGC president Avtar Singh Makkar denied that Vedanti had been forced to quit. http://www.hindustantimes.com/storypage/st...ent=strParentID

Akal Takht head quits under duress AMRITSAR: In a development that has unleashed a storm in the Sikh community, Akal Takht jathedar Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti quit his post in the highest Sikh temporal body on Tuesday, claiming he did it under duress. The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), however, quickly refuted the charge and said Vedanti had quit on his own. “He had cited ill-health as the reason for resignation,” SGPC chief Avtar Singh Makkar said. “The committee has accepted the jathedar’s letter and appointed Sri Harmandir Sahib head granthi Giani Gurbachan Singh as the acting jathedar of Akal Takht. The new jathedar will join office from August 7.” Sticking to his guns, an angry Vedanti said the SGPC general secretary, Sukhdev Singh Bhaur, and executive member Rajinder Singh Mehta had visited his residence the night before and asked him to put in his papers. His personal assistant Prithipal Singh went on to say that the visitors had expressed their helplessness in the matter and maintained it was Makkar’s orders. What may, however, have precipitated the latest crisis clouding the Akal Takht is the recent displeasure articulated by chief minister Parkash Singh Badal after Vedanti was heard praising prime minister Manmohan Singh, a fellow Sikh, just ahead of the trust vote on the Indo-US nuclear deal in Parliament. “Jathedars should not be getting involved in political matters,” a miffed Badal had said. “Although, I am in no position to say anything to the Akal Takht jathedar, I think he should not be getting into such things.” Vedanti had apparently gone further and said, “Dr Manmohan Singh is a kind man and Sikhs should be supporting him.” This had come at a time when a section of the Sikh diaspora had demand that fellow community members support the PM on the nuke deal. The jathedar’s removal triggered a swift reaction within hours of the announcement from Sikhs both in India and across the world, many of whom reacted with concern and cynicism. Terming it “an unfortunate practice”, veteran Akali leader Manjit Singh Calcutta said, “SAD(B) has been removing high priests since 1999”. He alleged that the chief minister was using the influence of Takht as well as Sikh Gurdwara Judicial Commission to promote vested interests. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Chandig...how/3330992.cms

Praising PM led to Akal Takht top priest's removal Image: Joginder Singh Vedanti on his way to pay obeisance at the Golden Temple at Amritsar after submitting his resignation on Tuesday. What led to the sacking of Joginder Singh Vedanti as the head priest of Akal Takht, the highest temporal seat of the Sikhs? "I was sacked," said Vedanti, "because I supported Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during the crucial trust vote." It is learnt that a top delegation of the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabhandak Committee, including its president Avtar Singh Makkar, general secretary Sukhdev Singh Bahur and executive committee member Rajinder Singh Mehta rushed to Vedanti to collect his resignation letter. Though they deny that they were involved, Vedanti told rediff.com on Wednesday that he was forced to resign and Giani Gurbachan Singh was appointed in his place."Some days ago, the three of them came to me and asked me to resign. They were very angry and told me that some of my remarks had upset their political partners. I told them that Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, as a Sikh, has done the nation proud. If that has upset their political partners, then I don't have anything to say. I would say the same about Dr Singh again. He is honest and a true Sikh," Vedanti told rediff.com in a candid conversation. It is said Vedanti helped the prime minister in framing his speech during the trust vote, at least in the parts where he referred to Guru Gobind Singh. To pacify the agitated officials who reportedly asked for his resignation at the instance of Punjab Chief Minister Prakash Singh Badal, Vedanti wrote out the resignation letter and handed it over to Bahur. "The moment they got the letter, they left. Appointments are done and cancelled, I have no quarrels. But I was pained at the manner in which it was carried out," he said. Makkar, however, denied Vedanti's claim. "We are willing to distribute copies of the resignation letter to the media to prove that it was written in his own handw," Makkar told this correspondent. Eleven out of the 13 executive committee members voted in favour of Vedanti's resignation while Karnail Singh Panjoli and Gurwinder Singh alleged that the letter was written under duress. Vedanti has also been accused of supporting the demand for a separate homeland for Sikhs during his recent trip to the United States. "I never made such statements. You can browse newspapers in the US during that period. What I said was that wherever the Sikhs go, they carve out a separate state for themselves and our homeland has no boundaries. I still stand by that statement," Vedanti clarified. Vedanti also came under attack for his poor handling of the Akali-Dera row and the Sant Samaj had sought his resignation. With Lok Sabha elections around the corner, Badal did not want to take any chances but wanted to keep the Sant Samaj happy. Giani Gurbachan Singh, who has been appointed temporary head of the Akal Takht in Vedanti's place, has risen from being an ordinary sewadar to the religion's highest temporal post. http://specials.rediff.com/news/2008/aug/06onkar.htm

Would Dera Sacha Sauda chief appear before Akal Takht ? PATIALA: The chief of Dera Sacha Sauda, Sirsa Gurmit Ram Rahim is likely to appear before Akal Takhat Sahib after August 7 ? Highly placed sources said here on Tuesday that Baba will appear Akal Takhat unconditionally to tender his apology regarding his act of mimicker as the Sikhs' revered 10th Guru and mocked the sacred and historic Amrit Sanchar ceremony of Vaisakhi 1699, at his dera last year. Sources said that if all things will happened accordingly Baba will appear soon after the assumption of charge of new head of Akal Takhat Giani Gurbachan Singh. Relations between the followers of the Dera Sacha Sauda sect and mainstream Sikhs have been soured for almost a year now. Dera chief had sparked a huge uproar by the Sikhs last year when Ram Rahim allegedly tried to imitate the dress and activities of the last Sikh Guru Guru Gobind Singh. The move enraged the Sikh community which demanded an apology from him. Later, Ram Rahim tendered an apology, saying he had no intention of hurting the sentiments of the Sikhs, but the Sikh clerics rejected the apology. Now with the resignation of Giani Joginder SIngh Vedanti the way of his exoneration has been cleared, said sources. http://www.punjabnewsline.com/content/view/11534/38/

Vedanti quits, Gurbachan Singh to be Takht Jathedar Manish Sirhindi Tribune News Service Kurukshetra, August 5 Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) that assembled here today accepted the resignation submitted by Akal Takht Jathedar Joginder Singh Vedanti and appointed Giani Gurbachan Singh, head granthi of Harmandar Sahib, as president of the highest temporal seat of the Sikhs. The meeting of the SGPC was held at Gurdwara Sri Hargobind Sahib and was presided over by Avtar Singh Makkar and attended by 13 of the 15 members. Vedanti had yesterday submitted his resignation to SGPC general secretary Sukhdev Singh Bhaur and executive member Rajinder Singh Mehta, in which he cited health reasons for resigning from the post. The resignation was today read out by Makkar before the SGPC members and was accepted by 11 of the 13 members present during the meeting. Karnail Singh Panjoli and Gurwinder Singh raised objections against the resignation, alleging that Vedanti was being forced to resign as SAD chief Prakash Singh Badal wished so. Bhajan Kaur and Santok Singh did not attend the meeting. Panjoli alleged that Vedanti had fallen off the good books of Badal for his having raised the demand for a separate state for the Sikhs during his recent visit to the US and for having asked Sikh MPs to support Prime Minister Manmohan Singh over the N-deal issue in Parliament. Panjoli said the manner in which Vedanti had been “forced to resign” without having been allowed time to put up his point of view was unacceptable. Makkar told The Tribune that Vedanti had stated in his resignation that due to ill-health he was unable to continue as Akal Takht Jathedar and had requested the SGPC to appoint the next Jathedar of the Takht. He said it had been decided to appoint Giani Gurbachan Singh as Akal Takht Jathedar and he would be sworn in on August 7 in the presence of various Sikh organisations. He, however, refused to divulge the reasons behind Vedanti’s resignation. Vedanti had been appointed Jathedar of Akal Takht in 2000. Recently, he came under attack from a number of Sikh organisations for his having failed to handle the Sikh-dera row with a “strong hand”. http://www.tribuneindia.com/2008/20080806/main4.htm

Resignation of Vedanti first step to exonerate Gurmit Ram Rahim? PATIALA: The resignation of Jatehdar Akal Takht (highest Sikh temporal seat of Sikhs) Gyani Joginder Singh Vedanti on Tuesday seems to be the first step to exonerate the chief of Sacha Sauda Gurmit Ram Rahim. SAD sources reveled here on Tuesday that he has resigned from his post under pressure from SAD Supremo Parkash Singh Badal and his son Sukhbir Singh Badal. The need of resignation of Vedanti arises as he has refused to exonerate Baba Ram rahim. SAD wanted to absolve him immediately to get the votes of his followers in Malwa area as parliament election could be held during November -December. The intelligence sources said that both Badals have met social activist Swami Agnivesh, Jain Munni leaders and president of All India organization of Imams Mulana Jamil Ahmed Illyasi, The in charge of Ajmer Sharif Hazi Sayeed, Sheikh Asif Ai of Ajmer and asked them to mediate with Dera Sacha sauda. Both have reportedly told the religious leaders to come forward and help them. They also conveyed that SAD will create the atmosphere in Punjab to exonerate Baba. After getting nod from Punjab chief minister and SAD Three muslim leaders Mulana Jamil Ahmed Illyasi, The in charge of Ajmer Sharif Hazi Sayeed, Sheikh Asif Ai of Ajmer met Baba in Sirsa on Saturday. Baba has reportedly given green signal to the leaders, said IB sources. The sources said that Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal had himself told Vedanti telephonically to step down otherwise he would be sacked in the executive meeting of SGPC to be held today at Kurukeshtra. Sources further added that Sukhbir Singh Badal himself or his wife Harsimrat Kaur may contest the elections from Bathinda parliament constituency and without Baba's Support it will be difficult to win this seat. Presently Sukhbir is representing Faridkot seat as it has declared reserve seat as per new delimitation of parliament seats. On July 27 Baba has asked media to mediate with Sikhs or SAD the request was later turned down by SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal and asked him through media to appear before the Akal Takhat Sahib. Regarding Dera Sacha Sauda chief's proposal to Sikh community for negotiation to solve the matter, Sukhbir Singh Badal had said that it could be decided only through the Akal Takhat as all Sikhs were bound to follow the decision of the Takhat Sahib. Strategically Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa has touched all Sikh issues in his speech for vote against UPA government in Lok Sabha had not touched the word Sacha Sauda and Dera. http://www.punjabnewsline.com/content/view/11533/38/

Vedanti paid price of praising PM: Punjab Congress CHANDIGARH: Senior Congress leaders from Majha have strongly criticized the Shiromani Akali Dal leadership for unceremoniously removing Joginder Singh Vedanti from post of Jathedar Akal Takht. In a press statement issued here, Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, Harminder Singh Gill, Harpartap Singh Ajnala, Sawinder Singh Katnunangal, Jasbir Singh Dimpa said that Jathedar Vedanti paid the price of praising the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh. It is pertinent to mention here that Jathedar Vedanti had said that that all Sikhs were proud of Dr Manmohan Singh. "The praise of Dr. Singh by Akal Takht Jathedar irked the Sukhbir Badal and CM Parkash Singh Badal, thus they unceremoniously removed Jathedar from post", alleged the congress leaders. Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa and Harminder Singh Gill said, "Being a Sikh we are concerned with the dignity of Akal Takht thus issuing this statement by rising above party lines". He said Badals are running the SGPC as his own fiefdom. This is not the first time that a Jathedar or Sikh Scholar was removed for praising a congressmen. Earlier the Badals had removed Manjit Singh Calcutta, when he had praised Sonia Gandhi for elevating Dr. Manmohan Singh as Prime Minister. They said that present working of SGPC not only put the image of the Jathedar at stake, but also compromised the credibility of the SGPC. They said that the Badal family continues to dabble in Gurdwara affairs and politics, which termed as unfortunate. They said that the Jathedar of the Akal Takht should be independent of all kinds of political and administrative pressures and manipulations and should be so elected that they enjoy the confidence of the entire Sikh Panth. http://www.punjabnewsline.com/content/view/11531/38/

Akal Takht Jathedar quits Chandigarh (PTI): The Jathedar of Akal Takht, the highest temporal seat of the Sikhs, today resigned from the post giving no reason for his sudden move. Joginder Singh Vedanti submitted his resignation to the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabhandak Committee (SGPC), a statutory body which manages affairs of Sikh shrines. SGPC President Avtar Singh Makkar confirmed said the receipt of the resignation, but declined to give more information. http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/002200808051440.htm

Sikh diaspora censures Badal for removing Vedanti as Akal Takht Jathedar By Ravinder Singh Robin Amritsar, Aug.5 (ANI): The unceremonious removal of Akal Takht Jathedar Joginder Singh Vedanti by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbhandhak Committee (SGPC), on Tuesday evoked sharp criticism from the Sikh Diaspora. Various Sikh bodies trained their guns on Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief and Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, accusing him of running the SGPC as his own fiefdom. The SGPC removed Vedanti from the post and replaced him with Giani Gurbachan Singh as the acting Jathedar of the Akal Takht. This is not the first time that a Jathedar has been removed unceremoniously by the SGPC. The removal of Bhai Jasbir Singh Rode as the Akal Takht Jathedar started the trend of sacking Jathedars. Previously, a Jathedar either resigned or died in office. Bhai Ranjit Singh, the daring Jathedar of Akal Takht was sacked on April 28,1998 and SGPC installed Giani Puran Singh as the new Jathedar on February 15,1999.Vedanti was appointed as acting Jathedar of Akal Takht on March 28,2000 after the SGPC then led by Bibi Jagir Kaur blamed Giani Puran Singh of violating the maryada (Sikh code of conduct) and sacked him. Sources informed that in recent times Vedanti’’s statements had caused embarrassment to the Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal) group. A pro-Khalistan uttering during a visit to the USA, Vedanti’’s absence from India when two Sikhs were killed in clashes with Dera Saucha Sauda followers and his praise of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during the confidence vote on July 21 and 22, reportedly led to differences between him and Badal. Talking to ANI from San Francisco, Dr. Pritipal Singh convener of American Gurdwara Parbhandhak Committee said that the present working of SGPC not only put the image of the Jathedar at stake, but also compromised the credibility of the SGPC. He said that the Badal family continues to dabble in Gurdwara affairs and politics, which termed as unfortunate. He said that the Jathedar of the Akal Takht should be independent of all kinds of political and administrative pressures and manipulations and should be so elected that they enjoy the confidence of the entire Sikh Panth. Talking from Washington D.C. ,Dr. Amerjit Singh Director, Khalistan Affairs Center alleged that Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal was using the SGPC for his own and his Hindu fundamentalist friends political gains. He said that the way of removal of Jathedar shows that the Akal Takht Jathedar is merely an employ of the SGPC and nothing else. He urged the Sikh Diaspora to unite and take away the control of the Sri Akal Takht from the clutches of SGPC and the SAD. Targeting Badal, Dal Khalsaspokesman KanwerPal Singh Bittu said that Badal has shown that he has all the levers of power, be it political or religious, which is very dangerous. He said that the question was not just the removal of Vedanti but the style of functioning of the Akali Dal and its extension counter, the SGPC. He charged the SGPC of implementing specific rules and guidelines for the working of the Akal Takht and other Takhts, and these were doomed to fail. Meanwhile SGPC president Avtar Singh Makkar who chaired the meeting of executive members of SGPC at Gurdwara Chevin Patshashi, Kurukshetra informed that the executive committee had accepted the resignation and have appointed Head Granthi of Sri Harmandir Sahib, Giani Gurbachan Singh as acting Jathedar of Akal Takht. (ANI) http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/entert...r_10080283.html