Fatehgarh Sahib – Amidt controversy arising out of diametrically opposite stands of Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and Takht Damdama Sahib jathedar Balwant Singh Nandgarh on the Nanakshahi calendar came to a head on Saturday, with the SGPC executive committee sacking the jathedar.
During a meeting held at Fatehgarh Sahib in the afternoon, the committee announced Nandgarh’s removal without mentioning the calendar row.
The SGPC executive in its statement said: “Jathedar Giani Balwant Singh Nandgarh is relieved of his duties for creating confusion and division in the Sikh community, disobeying orders of Akal Takht, causing a tussle between Takhts and disrespecting the Guru Granth Sahib.”
SGPC president Avtar Singh Makkar also announced that the additional charge of the Jathedar of Takht Damdama Sahib had been given to Giani Gurmukh Singh, who is serving as the head granthi of Akal Takht.
Justifying the step, the statement said: “Detailed discussion on the Nandgarh issue revealed that Sikh community was disturbed over his decision of not attending the birth anniversary celebrations of the 10th Sikh Guru and for passing unhealthy remarks against those taking part in the Gurpurb. This is against spirit of Akal Takht….Hence, the committee has decided to relieve Nandgarh from his position,” the SGPC executive stated.