Row over Manmohan Singh's portrait a reflection of crisis in SGPC

Jalandhar: The controversy surrounding the installation of late Manmohan Singh's picture at the Central Sikh Museum in the Darbar Sahib complex, with the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) first approving it and then holding its decision, once again highlights the crisis in leadership and decision-making within the representative Sikh institution.
The issue, now centred on the SGPC, seems akin to the political controversy regarding the place of the former PM's cremation.The dilemma and dithering within SGPC now contrasts sharply with its firmness in sacking jathedars of Akal Takht and Kesgarh Sahib a few months ago, despite overwhelming opposition from the larger community.
It was SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal who, while announcing an Akhand Path at the Darbar Sahib complex in memory of the late PM in the first week of Jan, first suggested the idea by stating that the SAD would request the SGPC to install Manmohan Singh's portrait in the Sikh Museum at Darbar Sahib.
After his death, the SGPC held a special condolence meeting and closed its offices for a day as a mark of respect. At his Antim Ardas at Gurdwara Rakab Ganj in Delhi, SGPC chief Harjinder Singh Dhami bestowed a siropa upon the late Prime Minister's wife, Gursharan Kaur.
Akal Takht jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh also paid glowing tributes to him, recalling his association with the All-India Sikh Students' Federation during his college days and his efforts in increasing the recognition and respect of the Sikh turban worldwide.
Despite past enmity with Congress, SAD leaders, led by working president Balwinder Singh Bhunder, went to Congress headquarters to pay tributes to the late PM. Later, the party held an Akhand Path at the Darbar Sahib complex.
There is nothing in the public domain to suggest that the SGPC faced any pressure to install the late PM's picture. The SGPC executive made the decision independently. However, after Beant Singh assassination convict Balwant Singh Rajoana opposed it, the SGPC has put the decision on hold.
"It appears to be becoming a case of thinking after taking the decision, in place of before it and reflects poorly on the decision-making process of the Sikh body.
It was expected that radical elements could oppose it and the SGPC executive should have announced the decision only if they could stand on it, in place of creating a controversy when there was none," said am SGPC member.
The SGPC president said the decision has been put on hold only and it has not been rescinded.

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