Akal Takht Secretariat refutes caste discrimination allegations, says MLA Giaspura barred over remarks
Kulwinder Singh
Amritsar (Punjab), October 12, 2026: The Sri Akal Takht Sahib Secretariat has rejected allegations of caste-based discrimination against MLA Manwinder Singh Giaspura, saying he was denied entry on the directions of the Jathedar over his alleged objectionable remarks about Sikh personalities and institutions.
Jaskaran Singh, personal assistant to Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, told the media that the decision was not linked to Giaspura’s caste. He warned that strict action could be taken against the MLA in the coming days if he failed to apologise for his alleged remarks.
Jaskaran Singh said two other MLAs from the same community, Dalbir Singh Tong and Kulwant Singh Pandori, were welcomed and seated respectfully when they arrived with a delegation. He said the delegation was heard and served tea, rejecting claims that the Secretariat discriminated against anyone on caste grounds.
According to Jaskaran Singh, the controversy stemmed from statements Gianpura allegedly made about the Akal Takht Jathedar and other respected Sikh figures. He said a meeting with MLAs on June 29 had discussed concerns over legislation relating to sacrilege, with legislators reportedly assuring that objections raised by the Akal Takht would be addressed. However, he described Gianpura’s subsequent media statements as objectionable.
Explaining the circumstances surrounding the visit, Jaskaran Singh said the Secretariat had not received an official list or a confirmed schedule of the legislators in advance. He said the office was initially informed that the delegation would visit and later learnt that it intended to submit a memorandum concerning an incident at Gurdwara Bangla Sahib in Delhi.
He said the decision to stop Gianpura was implemented after the delegation arrived at the Darbar Sahib complex and its members were identified.
Akal Takht to examine Bangla Sahib incident
On the controversy surrounding police action and alleged sloganeering at Gurdwara Bangla Sahib in Delhi, Jaskaran Singh said all visitors must respect the religious discipline of gurdwaras. He said gurdwaras are open to people of every faith and community for prayer, langar and shelter, but political activities and sloganeering inside the premises are contrary to established decorum.
He said photographs and videos received by the Secretariat appeared to show some protesters entering the premises with placards and allegedly raising slogans. He added that the circumstances, including the reported entry of police personnel into the gurdwara complex, required examination and that the responsibility of the management should also be looked into.
Jaskaran Singh said the memorandum submitted by the legislators had been brought to the Jathedar’s notice. The Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee could also be asked to respond, and the Akal Takht would examine the matter.
Other legislators may also face action
Jaskaran Singh said the legislators, including Nijjar, who led the delegation, had been asked to clarify their position publicly. He did not rule out action against them if they failed to provide an explanation.
Reiterating the Secretariat’s position, he said no one had been discriminated against on the basis of caste. He added that while everyone was welcome at Sikh religious institutions, allegedly objectionable remarks against the Akal Takht, the Sikh Panth and respected Sikh institutions would not be tolerated.