AMRITSAR: A day after
SGPC
reversed its Dec 9 resolution excommunicating
Narain Singh Chaura
for his attempted murder of SAD chief Sukhbir Badal, hardline Sikh groups Wednesday hailed the decision as a victory for the
panth
(community) and a defeat for SAD and SGPC.
“This shows that SGPC and SAD feared losing the support of the panth if they proceeded with Chaura’s
excommunication
. They also recognised that the Dec 9 resolution could have further harmed SAD’s electoral prospects,” said Sikh Youth Federation (Bhindranwala) president Bhai Ranjit Singh.
After Chaura was caught attempting to shoot Badal on Dec 4, hardline Sikh groups demanded that Panth Rattan title should be bestowed on him. However, some SGPC members and other organisations called for his excommunication.
On Dec 9, SGPC’s executive committee recommended that the Akal Takht jathedar excommunicate Chaura from the panth. Yet, in a meeting on Dec 31, SGPC quietly rescinded its earlier resolution without providing any explanation.
Jarnail Singh Sakhira, a hardline leader, said, “If SGPC had not reversed the resolution, the situation could have escalated. Chaura’s actions reflect prevailing sentiments of panth, which SGPC has now acknowledged.” Sarchand Singh, a former spokesperson for the Sikh seminary
Damdami Taksal
, said, “SGPC acted hastily to appease SAD, but when it realised their decision would alienate the panth, they quietly reversed it. This reflects the immaturity of SGPC leadership and causes embarrassment for the institution.”
Sarchand said the attack on Sukhbir exposed internal conflicts within SAD. “The sequence of events, including how the incident was presented to the public and media, and the inconsistent statements, indicate the ambitions of a particular SAD leader seeking control of the party. However, this move has not gained acceptance among most SAD leaders, who continue to rely on the Badal legacy to sustain the party,” he added.
