Giani Harpreet Singh has stepped down from his role as Jathedar of Takht Damdama Sahib, citing mental stress and alleged threats from former Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Virsa Singh Valtoha. His resignation follows a recent call by the Akal Takht Jathedar for the SAD to expel Valtoha, holding him responsible for “damaging the credibility of Takht Jathedars.”
In his resignation, submitted to SGPC chief Harjinder Singh Dhami, Giani Harpreet Singh expressed his inability to continue under such pressure. “Valtoha initially defamed my character, but he has now crossed all limits by targeting my family. As a father of two daughters, the mental agony is unbearable,” he said. He further claimed to have received threatening calls, which he believes were orchestrated by the social media wing of the SAD, with certain party leaders involved. He voiced disappointment at the SGPC’s silence on the matter.
In response, Virsa Singh Valtoha denied the accusations, stating, “These are baseless allegations. If Giani Harpreet Singh has evidence, he should pursue legal action. He has fallen victim to a conspiracy.”
This resignation adds to the ongoing tensions and challenges within the Sikh religious and political landscape.