Akal Takht Declares AAP MLA Manwinder Singh Giaspura ‘Tankhaiya’

Akal Takht Declares AAP MLA Manwinder Singh Giaspura ‘Tankhaiya’ Amritsar, October 16: Akal Takht Jathedar Kuldeep Singh Gargaj on Friday declared Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA from Payal, Manwinder Singh Giaspura, a tankhaiya (guilty of religious misconduct) over allegations of violating Sikh maryada, making false claims of caste-based discrimination against sevadars of Akal Takht Sahib and Darbar Sahib, and using objectionable language. The Sikh community was directed to maintain distance from him. The decision was announced from the ramparts of Akal Takht Sahib in the presence of other senior Sikh clergy following a meeting of the Panj Singh Sahibaan at the Akal Takht Secretariat. The action follows the controversy surrounding the October 12 visit of Punjab AAP MLAs to Amritsar to submit a memorandum seeking action against Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the Delhi Police's handling of protesters who had taken refuge inside Gurdwara Bangla Sahib in New Delhi. During the visit, Giaspura was reportedly prevented from entering the Akal Takht Secretariat. He subsequently alleged that he had been denied entry because of his Dalit identity. The Akal Takht took exception to his allegations, maintaining that they were contrary to Sikh principles and amounted to an attack on the institution and its sevadars. Addressing the Sikh Sangat, Jathedar Gargaj reiterated that the foundation of Sikhism, laid by Guru Nanak Dev, rests on equality, brotherhood and respect for all. He said the four entrances of Darbar Sahib symbolise the absence of discrimination on the basis of caste, social status or wealth. The matter was examined by the Sikh clergy, which concluded that Giaspura had violated Sikh maryada. Consequently, he was declared tankhaiya, and the community was directed not to associate with him. In a related decision, Akal Takht Sahib imposed a complete ban on Jeevan Singh Bagichiwale, who identifies himself as a Sikh preacher, from conducting religious discourses (prachar) and performing kirtan. The clergy expressed concern over his alleged controversial statements concerning Gurbani, Sikh history and the Sikh Rehat Maryada, as well as remarks challenging the supreme authority of Guru Granth Sahib. The Sikh leadership observed that he lacked a proper understanding of Gurbani and Sikh principles. The meeting also expressed serious concern over the growing drug menace in Punjab. Jathedar Gargaj paid tribute to Bhai Parvinder Singh Jhota, who lost his life after raising his voice against drug traffickers. He said Jhota's struggle was motivated by the desire to protect Punjab's youth from drugs rather than by any personal interest. He also cautioned individuals who interpret Gurbani and Sikh history on podcasts and social media without adequate study or understanding. He stressed that personal opinions must remain within the framework of the Sikh Rehat Maryada and established Panthic traditions. The proceedings concluded with prayers before Guru Granth Sahib for Chardi Kala (the ever-rising spirit) of the Panth and the promotion of mutual brotherhood.