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Priest, party, and a power struggle: Why Raghbir Singh’s ‘retirement’ deepens the crisis within SGPC, Akali Dal

March 1, 2026

The forcible retirement of Giani Raghbir Singh by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) as head granthi of Harmandar Sahib has deepened the crisis confronting both the apex body managing Sikh shrines and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD). Coming just days after Raghbir Singh publicly accused the SGPC of systemic corruption, the move appears less an act of institutional discipline and more a political message. Raghbir Singh had earlier served as Jathedar of the Akal Takht, the highest temporal seat of Sikh authority.

Raghbir Singh had moved the Punjab and Haryana High Court against the SGPC but withdrew his petition in July

Credit: Indianexpress

Key Highlights

In December 2024, he pronounced religious punishment against SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal for misconduct.
Along with the then Takht Kesgarh Sahib Jathedar, Sultan Singh, and Takht Damdama Sahib Jathedar, Giani Harpreet Singh, he also forced Badal to step down as the president of the Akali Dal.
The political consequences were swift.
The SAD holds a majority in the SGPC house and the party leadership is seen to exercise decisive influence over the body’s functioning.
Jathedar-Badal tussle Within three months of their decision against Badal, all three Jathedars stand removed from their posts.

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Priest, party, and a power struggle: Why Raghbir Singh’s ‘retirement’ deepens the crisis within SGPC, Akali Dal

This quick summary is automatically generated using AI based on reports from multiple news sources. The content has not been reviewed or verified by humans. For complete details, accuracy, and context, please refer to the original published articles.

Priest, party, and a power struggle: Why Raghbir Singh’s ‘retirement’ deepens the crisis within SGPC, Akali Dal

Key Highlights

Sources

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