Chandigarh, August 4, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Global Sikh Council (GSC) has appealed to Singh Sahib Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Amritsar, to take the lead in bringing about Panthic unity ahead of the Punjab Assembly elections, citing concerns over political fragmentation and challenges facing the Sikh community and the state.
The appeal was issued after deliberations during a recent meeting of the GSC Executive Committee. The Council, which represents Sikh national organisations from nearly 30 countries with significant Sikh populations, urged the Jathedar to invoke the authority of Sri Akal Takht Sahib at what it described as a critical phase in Punjab’s political and social landscape.
The GSC referred to the Sikh principles of ‘Miri-Piri’ and the concepts of ‘Guru Granth’ and ‘Guru Panth’, stating that Sri Akal Takht Sahib has historically played a guiding role during crucial periods concerning the Sikh Panth.
Highlighting concerns over the fragmentation of Akali politics, the Council said multiple parties carrying the name Akali Dal have emerged in Punjab. It pointed out that in the 2022 Punjab Assembly elections, only the Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal) secured representation, winning three seats in the 117-member Assembly.
The GSC said political divisions had weakened effective representation of Panthic interests at a time when Punjab was facing issues including law and order concerns, drug abuse among youth, river water disputes, increasing debt and migration-related challenges.
The representation submitted to the Jathedar has been signed by GSC President Dr Kanwaljit Kaur (UK), Vice President Paramjit Singh Bedi (USA), Secretary Advocate Harjeet Singh Grewal, Treasurer Harsarn Singh (both India), and Advocate Jagir Singh (Malaysia).
The Council has suggested that Sri Akal Takht Sahib issue an Adesh calling upon various Akali Dal factions, including Shiromani Akali Dal led by Sukhbir Singh Badal, SAD Punar Surjit led by Giani Harpreet Singh, Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) led by Simranjit Singh Mann, and Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De) led by Amritpal Singh, to contest the upcoming Assembly elections on a united platform.
It has proposed a common seat-sharing arrangement and consensus-based nominations for boards and corporations. In case agreement on leadership remains difficult, the GSC suggested the formation of a five-member presidential committee (Presidium) or appointment of a respected professional from outside active politics to lead the coalition.
The Council also proposed setting up a committee of senior lawyers to examine allegations of electoral roll irregularities in coordination with the State Election Commission and grassroots organisations working on the issue.
It further called for legislative safeguards relating to voting rights, agricultural land ownership and government employment eligibility for recent migrants to Punjab, describing these measures as protection of the interests of Punjab’s native-born population.
The GSC urged that efforts towards unity should extend beyond Akali factions and include Dalits and other Sikh political formations to create a broader coalition focused on Punjab’s interests.
The Council also appealed to Sikh organisations, societies and non-governmental organisations worldwide, along with other groups working for Punjab’s interests irrespective of religious affiliation, to support the appeal and submit similar representations to Sri Akal Takht Sahib.
The Global Sikh Council said it was awaiting guidance from the Jathedar and expressed its commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at strengthening unity within the Sikh Panth.
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