Chandigarh, June 26 (IANS) Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Harsimrat Kaur Badal on Friday appealed to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to retain the autonomous character of the Takht Sri Hazur Sahib Board and withdraw the draft law which seeks to fill the board with government nominees.

In a letter to the Chief Minister, the Bathinda MP said the Sikh community was anguished that widespread changes were being made to change the character of the Takht Board on the recommendations of a state-appointed committee without taking into account the sentiments of the Sikh community, their premier institution — the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) — or the Hazuri Sachkhand Diwan.

She said that, as no prior consultations had been held with the Sikh bodies, there was a growing impression that this move was an attempt to end the board’s autonomy.

“Sikhs worldwide also perceive this as an attempt to take complete control of the shrine to the detriment of the community,” Harsimrat Badal said.

She said there was unanimity in the community that any decision affecting the ‘maryada’ (code of conduct), the management, and the religious autonomy of Takht Sri Hazur Sahib should not be taken unilaterally.

She said earlier in February 2024, the Maharashtra government had amended the Act governing the shrine, giving the go-ahead to nominate 12 of the 17 board members through direct government nominations.

“The representation of the SGPC was reduced, and that of the Chief Khalsa Diwan and Hazuri Sachkhand Diwan was abolished altogether. Though this amendment was taken back after massive protests by the SGPC and local Sikh organisations, the government seems to have decided to bring similar changes in the structure of the board in the new Act.”

Appealing to the Chief Minister to allow the Sikh community to manage its affairs as per tradition, Harsimrat Badal said the Takht’s management had also issued a ‘gurmata’ (collective edict) against the Maharashtra government’s decision to repeal the old Act.

“Accordingly, the old Act should be allowed to remain in force by withdrawing the new draft law. This will serve to diffuse the tension which has risen in the Sikh community, which feels the Maharashtra government should desist from interfering in their religious affairs,” she added.

–IANS

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