SGPC refutes allegations by AAP leader Baltej Pannu, claims misleading
Babushhai Bureau
Amritsar (Punjab), January 4, 2026: The Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) on Sunday issued a strong rebuttal to statements made by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Baltej Pannu, calling them factually incorrect and misleading to the Sikh community.
In an official press release, SGPC Secretary Pratap Singh clarified that Pannu’s claim regarding the annual general house being conducted under the approval of the Deputy Commissioner is inaccurate.
“As per the Sikh Gurdwara Act, only the first session after general elections is conducted under the supervision of the Deputy Commissioner, and it is presided over by the elected President,” he stated.
He further explained that all subsequent annual general house meetings are chaired by the SGPC President, without any presence or approval of the Deputy Commissioner. “Baltej Pannu is deliberately misrepresenting the provisions of the Sikh Gurdwara Act, creating confusion among the Sangat,” Pratap Singh added.
The SGPC Secretary also addressed Pannu’s linking of former SGPC Secretary Dr. Roop Singh’s resignation approval to Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami, calling it baseless. He clarified that at the time of the Ishar Singh report implementation, Dhami was serving as SGPC General Secretary, not President.
Pratap Singh emphasized that anyone commenting on Sikh institutions should first read and understand the facts under the Sikh Gurdwara Act, rather than spreading misleading or arbitrary claims that confuse the Sangat.