“Do not weaken the voice of Sri Akal Takht Sahib”: Rajoana writes to Jathedar Gargaj
Babushahi Bureau
Patiala/Amritsar, December 19, 2025: Convicted in the former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh assassination case, Balwant Singh Rajoana has written a letter from jail to the Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, strongly objecting to his recent move of writing to Sikh Members of Parliament regarding the renaming of ‘Veer Bal Diwas’.
Rajoana, in his letter, criticised the Jathedar for appealing to MPs to take up the matter in Parliament, stating that such an act undermines the supreme authority and sanctity of Sri Akal Takht Sahib. He asserted that the voice of the Takht does not depend on Parliament or political institutions and should not be reduced to seeking validation from elected representatives.
Using strong language, Rajoana termed the Jathedar’s decision a “dark and shameful chapter” in the history of Sri Akal Takht Sahib.
He reminded that Akal Takht is the throne of Akal Purakh, whose voice resonates not only in India’s Parliament but across the world. He appealed to the Jathedar not to weaken or render helpless this powerful voice due to personal compulsions, weaknesses, or interests.
The controversy dates back to December 8, when the acting Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, wrote a letter to 14 Sikh MPs of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
The letter was addressed to MPs including Dr Amar Singh, Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Hardeep Singh Puri, Gurjeet Singh Aujla and Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal, urging them to strongly raise in Parliament the demand to rename ‘Veer Bal Diwas’—celebrated by the Central Government—as ‘Sahibzade Shaheedi Diwas’.
The Jathedar had maintained that the issue goes beyond a mere change of name and is a matter of respect for Sikh history and sentiments. However, Rajoana argued that Sri Akal Takht Sahib, being the highest temporal seat of the Sikhs, should issue directives rather than seek intervention through political channels.
Rajoana’s letter has triggered a fresh debate within Panthic circles, with differing views emerging on the role and authority of Sri Akal Takht Sahib in engaging with political institutions.