"Is There a Tradition of Takht Jathedars Rising to Lead the Akali Dal?"
From Takht to Politics: The Legacy of Jathedars Leading the Akali Dal, Holding Political Positions
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, August 13, 2025: There is intense debate over the entry of Jathedars of various sacred Takhts into politics. The discussion has intensified since the former Acting Jathedar of Akal Takht Sahib, Giani Harpreet Singh, became the president of the newly formed Akali Dal by a rebel group of the SAD.
Many critics have questioned why Giani Harpreet Singh entered politics after serving as Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht and Takht Sri Damdama Sahib, and why he took up the position as president of the parallel Akali Dal. In response, Giani Harpreet Singh has justified his move by listing the names of other Takht Jathedars and Head Granthis who, after holding high religious positions, entered politics and went on to become presidents of the Akali Dal or rose to other political positions.
Giani Harpreet Singh has cited these examples:
Jathedar Teja Singh Akarpuri – Jathedar, Sri Akal Takht Sahib → Akali Dal president (1940)
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Gurmukh Singh Musafir – Jathedar, Sri Akal Takht Sahib → Punjab CM, Rajya Sabha MP
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Jathedar Teja Singh Akarpuri – Former Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, who later became president of the Shiromani Akali Dal. The first All India Akali Conference was held in February 1940 under his presidency, during which he served as Akali Dal president. The Akal Regiment was also established during this conference.
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Giani Gurmukh Singh Musafir – Former Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, who later became a Member of the Rajya Sabha and the Chief Minister of Punjab.
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Jathedar Udham Singh Nagoke – Former Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, who later became president of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and the Shiromani Akali Dal.
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Jathedar Achhar Singh – Former Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib and Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, who later became president of the Shiromani Akali Dal. The Karnal All India Akali Conference was held under his presidency.
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Singh Sahib Giani Bhupinder Singh – Former Head Granthi of Sri Darbar Sahib Amritsar, who later became president of the Shiromani Akali Dal and also served as a Member of the Rajya Sabha.
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Jathedar Mohan Singh Tur – Former Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, who later became president of the Shiromani Akali Dal and was also elected as a Member of the Lok Sabha.
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Sant Harchand Singh Longowal – Former Jathedar of Takht Sri Damdama Sahib, who later became president of the Shiromani Akali Dal. He also served as Morcha Dictator during the Emergency and the Dharam Yudh Morcha.
Will Giani Harpreet Singh’s response put an end to the debate and controversies? Only time will tell, but you can share your opinion.