Patna Sahib Jathedar backs Bhai Ranjit Singh

LUDHIANA, Feb 18: Jathedar of Takht Patna Sahib, Bhai Mann Singh, has come out in support of Bhai Ranjit Singh’s continuation as Jathedar of the Akal Takht.

A gurmata(resolution) of Takht Patna Sahib, which is one of the five recognised Takhts, signed by five priests including Bhai Mann Singh states, “the efforts to remove Bhai Ranjit Singh as Jathedar of the Akal Takht are against the Sikh tradition and belief. Such an attempt will cause damage to the Sikh panth (community). Bhai Ranjit Singh, who had been appointed Jathedar with the consent of all, continues to remain the Jathedar of the Akal Takht and all members of the Sikh community and the Khalsa panth should accept him as such”.

The gurmata, dated February 16, was released to the media by Kalyan Singh, who is a member of the Prabandhak Committee, Takht Patna Sahib. The manager of the Gurdwara, confirmed the gurmata when contacted on the phone by The Indian Express.

Supporters of SGPC chief Gurcharan Singh Tohra have been arguing that the suspension and removal of Bhai Ranjit Singh by the SGPC executive violates the tradition as Bhai Ranjit Singh is Jathedar of the whole community while the SGPC only represents the Sikhs in Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh.