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India Today
09-06-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Operation Bluestar: Is a quiet anniversary a turning point in Sikh politics?
On June 6, something unusual happened at the Akal Takht in Amritsar. For the first time since 1999, the anniversary of the June 1984 Operation Bluestar passed without the jathedar of the Akal Takht addressing the Sikh annual message—typically a mix of homage to the 'martyrs' of Bluestar, a reaffirmation of Sikh identity, and often, veiled or open criticism of the Indian state—conspicuously did not come. The moment, hushed but loaded, has thrown into sharp relief the silent churn underway in Sikh religious politics. It was not the absence of noise that made the day historic—it was the withdrawal of the voice that has traditionally defined the community's moral decision of acting Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj to not deliver a 'sandesh' was reportedly voluntary, a conscious act amidst pressure and protest. Ever since his controversial appointment in December 2023 by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), he has faced stiff resistance from key panthic groups and rival religious factions, Damdami Taksal, and various bodies that see themselves as protectors of Sikh orthodoxy have refused to recognise his authority. In their eyes, he is not a leader of the panth but a political nominee with little theological or moral standing. Gargaj's silence on June 6, then, was not just about respect for decorum or restraint. It was an admission that the Akal Takht, once the undivided pulpit of the Sikh world, is today a contested scene at the Golden Temple complex was otherwise familiar. Portraits of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale adorned the walls, slogans calling for 'justice' and 'Khalistan' rang out from pockets of the crowd, and the SGPC facilitated tributes to those killed in the 1984 operation by security Punjab police maintained an unusually large presence in and around the shrine, a precautionary measure given the history of clashes and radical posturing associated with the anniversary. But in a rare departure from previous years, there was no violence, no public scuffles, no visible crackdown. The choreography of memory played out—intense, symbolic but curiously subdued. The vacuum at the top shaped everything meaning of this moment cannot be divorced from the deeper institutional crisis in Sikh religious life. The Akal Takht jathedar, in theory, is meant to embody collective spiritual authority. In practice, the position has been hollowed out by opaque appointments, politicisation and diminishing community the past decade, multiple jathedars have been appointed, removed or boycotted by different factions, leading to an unprecedented erosion of the institution's moral clarity. The current acting jathedar is merely the latest in a series of contested figures, lacking both grassroots endorsement and panthic legitimacy. His decision to step back on June 6 may have been the wisest possible course—but it is also a sign of how rudderless the institution has the SGPC tried to step into this void. While Gargaj did not issue a message, the SGPC held its own tributes and honoured families of those who died during Operation Bluestar. This subtle power play reflects the current recalibration within Sikh institutions—between symbolic authority and administrative SGPC, led by president Harjinder Singh Dhami, has been attempting to reassert its influence in religious matters even as it continues to be accused of political partisanship and encroaching upon decisions meant for the Akal Takht. But with no credible jathedar in place, the SGPC is clearly positioning itself as a proxy religious authority—an evolution that has alarmed traditionalists and reformists silence of the mainstream Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) this year also stands out. Once the dominant political force in Punjab and the principal claimant to Sikh leadership, the SAD has been a pale shadow of its former self since the 2020-21 farmer protests and its electoral drubbing in the 2022 assembly the Bluestar anniversary, its leaders kept a low profile, perhaps wary of reigniting controversies or provoking criticism from either radicals or moderates. This caution is symptomatic of the party's current identity crisis—caught between reclaiming panthic relevance and appealing to a broader, more pragmatic Punjabi electorate. The space it has vacated is being occupied, unevenly, by groups, particularly the SAD (Amritsar), led by Simranjit Singh Mann, and outfits such as Dal Khalsa, used the anniversary to project defiance and repeat separatist claims. The iconography of Bhindranwale was used as it has been every year—a symbol of resistance for some, of unresolved anger for others. Yet, even these groups, for all their noise, seemed to understand the limits of provocation this were no flashpoints, no incitements that could turn symbolic protest into street confrontation. It was as though everyone—radical, moderate, institutional—was operating under an unspoken understanding that the community is in no position for fresh strife. The wounds of the past have not healed but neither is there appetite for reopening them with fresh to this changing dynamic is the emergence of a stronger, more vocal cohort of moderate Sikh voices from within India, who are increasingly challenging the monopolisation of the Bluestar narrative by Khalistani groups. Diplomats, professionals, academics and Sikh veterans of public life have begun pushing back against what they see as the hijacking of a tragic chapter in Sikh history for separatist agendas. Their view is that the memory of Operation Bluestar must be observed, but it cannot be allowed to become a Trojan horse for reviving militancy or distorting Sikhism's fundamentally inclusive Indian diplomat Amarjit Singh's recent comments calling out 'vultures who keep feeding off 1984' reflect a growing sentiment among India-based Sikhs who want to protect both the sanctity of their religion and the integrity of the Indian voices are not always amplified, particularly in contrast to the loud social media campaigns run by diaspora groups abroad. But they are gaining traction, especially among Sikh youth disillusioned with both the politics of grievance and the inaction of established institutions. In cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, and Ludhiana, young Sikh professionals are increasingly rejecting the binaries of radicalism versus silence. They want spaces for dialogue, memorialisation without radicalisation, and a panthic leadership that does not cede its voice to fringe nurtured, this could be a pivotal generational shift—one that reorients Sikh discourse away from exile-driven extremism toward grounded, democratic engagement with India's muted tone also reflects a deeper generational shift. For many older Sikhs, especially those who lived through the 1984 operation and its aftermath, the anniversary remains sacred and painful. But for younger generations, both in Punjab and in the diaspora, the memory does not carry the same political concerns are shaped less by historical grievance and more by present-day anxieties—drug abuse, unemployment, farm distress, and cultural alienation. The institutions that speak the language of 1984 often find themselves unintelligible to those born after it. Even in the diaspora, where pro-Khalistan sentiment still finds expression, the idioms of identity are changing—from calls for sovereignty to cultural revivalism, from slogans to social media influence. The Akal Takht jathedar's silence, in this context, may have been more in tune with the moment than any speech could have the absence of a message does not mean the absence of meaning. In fact, it may mark the beginning of a quiet reckoning. Many in the Sikh intelligentsia and civil society believe the time has come to reform the process by which jathedars are years, there has been talk of convening a Sarbat Khalsa, the traditional assembly of Sikh representatives empowered to take panthic decisions and restore legitimacy to institutions. Such calls have repeatedly faltered due to lack of consensus, fears of state reprisal and internal divisions. But the events of June 6 may lend fresh urgency to the idea. A leaderless community cannot remain so forever. Silence can be powerful, but it cannot be the Indian state, the peaceful conduct of the Bluestar anniversary is likely to be read as a positive sign—an indicator that normalcy has returned to Punjab and that radical sentiments are on the wane. But this would be a superficial reading. The underlying issues—of representation, institutional trust and generational drift—are far from resolved. If anything, the crisis of leadership within Sikhism presents a different kind of challenge: not one of militancy but of vacuum. Not a rebellion, but a recession of coherence. And in such spaces, uncertainty the most striking aspect of the 2025 observance was its emotional ambiguity. It was not marked by catharsis or confrontation. It was, in a sense, a holding pattern—an uneasy truce between memory and modernity, between tradition and transition. The community did not speak through a single voice because it no longer has one. The institutions did not guide the moment because they are still finding their way. And yet, the day passed peacefully. That, in itself, is worth remains to be seen is whether this moment of quiet becomes a turning point or merely an interlude. Will Sikh religious institutions seize the opportunity to reform, reconnect and regain credibility? Will the SGPC resist the temptation to entrench its control and instead build consensus? Will the political class, both in Punjab and in Delhi, learn to read the signals from Amritsar not just as law and order inputs but as reflections of a complex community in transition?The silence of the Akal Takht on June 6 was not a void. It was a mirror—showing a fractured religious polity, a disillusioned youth, a contested past and an uncertain future. But it was also a chance. A rare one. For reflection, and perhaps, for to India Today Magazine
NDTV
06-06-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
In A First, No Message By Akhal Takht Leader On Op Blue Star Anniversary
Amritsar: For the first time during the anniversary of Operation Blue Star, the acting Jathedar of Akal Takht, the highest temporal body of Sikhs, Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, did not deliver the customary message to the Sikh community. Instead, Kuldeep Singh Gargaj performed a prayer during which he stated that the message was being conveyed through the prayer itself. This marks a significant break from tradition. In previous years, the Akal Takht Jathedar would directly address the community with a message on the anniversary. However, this year, the event was conducted under heavy security in Amritsar, and tension was visible over whether Mr Gargaj should be allowed to speak. Several Sikh organisations had objected to Mr Gargaj delivering any message, arguing that his appointment as acting Jathedar was not conducted in accordance with established religious traditions and ceremonies. To avoid confrontation, Mr Gargaj chose not to deliver a speech and limited his role to offering prayers inside the Golden Temple complex on Friday, the 41st anniversary of Operation Blue Star. Tensions with Damdami Taksal Chief The controversy deepened due to open opposition from another Sikh organisation called Damdami Taksal and its chief Harnam Singh Dhumma, who has been vocal against Mr Gargaj's appointment since March. Mr Dhumma has claimed that the selection process lacked adherence to traditional religious procedures and did not enjoy widespread support among the Sikh community. According to sources, Mr Dhumma had placed a condition that Mr Gargaj must refrain from issuing any message to ensure peaceful observance of the anniversary. In light of this, Mr Gargaj avoided any direct address and limited his communication to what was expressed during the prayer. Prayer Mentions Sikh Concerns During the prayer, Mr Gargaj raised several issues, including alleged targeting of Sikhs in India and abroad, the ongoing concept and discourse around a Sikh homeland and perceived discrimination faced by the Sikh community. Speaking to NDTV, Mr Gargaj said, "I have conveyed my message in the ardas (prayer) which I performed during the anniversary." He further added that he wanted to avoid any confrontation within the Sikh community. During the prayer session inside the Golden Temple, emotions ran high. Some Sikh organisations reportedly raised slogans in support of Khalistan. In the wake of Operation Blue Star's anniversary, several Sikh organisations called for a bandh (shutdown) in Amritsar. Heavy security was deployed across the city, especially at sensitive locations and around the Golden Temple complex, to prevent any incidents. Police personnel in plain clothes were also stationed inside the Golden Temple to ensure peace and monitor any signs of confrontation or unrest.
New Indian Express
06-06-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Operation Blue Star Anniversary: For the first time, Akal Takht Jathedar refrains from giving annual message
CHANDIGARH: Breaking a 41-year-old tradition of the annual address on the anniversary of Operation Blue Star, Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, the officiating Jathedar (High priest) of the Akal Takht (the highest temporal seat of Sikhs) did not deliver the customary message to the Sikh community. Instead, he only performed the ardas (prayer), and the event remained peaceful. Notably, he also refrained from felicitating the families of those who died during the operation. Meanwhile slogans of 'Khalistan Zindabad' were raised by the supporters of Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) and other sikh organisations in the golden temple complex. Gargaj refrained from delivering the customary address to the Sikh community from the façade of the Akal Takht and did not felicitate the families of those killed during the 1984 Army operation. The move was seen as an effort to ensure the peaceful observance of the anniversary, especially after Damdami Taksal chief Harnam Singh Dhuma recently objected to such practices. Tensions between Gargaj and several hardline Sikh groups had already been running high in the lead-up to the event.
Indian Express
06-06-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Acting Akal Takht Jathedar Gargaj skips annual message on Op Blue Star anniversary amid tensions with Damdami Taksal head Dhuma
In a first, the acting jathedar of Akal Takht, Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, did not deliver the annual message to the Sikh community on the occasion of the 41st anniversary of Operation Blue Star Friday, but performed an ardas or prayer. This came amid tensions between Kuldeep Singh Gargaj and Damdami Taksal head Harnam Singh Dhuma. Gargaj refrained from delivering the message to the community as a condition reportedly put forward by Harnam Singh Dhuma for the peaceful observance of the anniversary. However, during the ardas, he referred to some community issues typically addressed in the jathedar's annual speech. During the prayer, the Akal Takht jathedar raised several issues, including the 'targeting of Sikhs in India and abroad,' the concept of a 'Sikh homeland,' and 'discrimination against Sikhs.' Damdami Taksal head Dhuma has opposed Gargaj since his appointment in March this year, claiming that his selection did not follow traditional procedure. Meanwhile, Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami appeared to be accommodating towards Dhuma's demand. According to sources, it was decided in a series of meetings that the Akal Takht jathedar would neither deliver the annual message nor offer the siropa (robe of honour) to the families of those referred to as 'martyrs.' Instead, SGPC chief Dhami presented the robe of honour.
Time of India
05-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
SAD vs Damdami Taksal: Panthic crisis rooted in contest for control of Sikh institutions and religious affairs
1 2 3 Jalandhar: The ongoing Panthic crisis — in which Akal Takht and Takht Patna Sahib-based clergy appear in conflict with each other, and Damdami Taksal and a few Nihang groups have opposed Akal Takht acting jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj's June 6 address — seems to be a continuation of events that have taken place in recent past, but it is rooted in a contest for control over Sikh institutions and religious affairs — one that is being fought with Shiromani Akali Dal ( SAD ) on one side and Damdami Taksal, along with other traditional groups, on the other. As the Gurdwara Reform Movement, which had roots in the Singh Sabha movement, led to the formation of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee and SAD in 1920, they remained closely intertwined and at the centre of Sikh religio-political affairs. Sikh sampardas (traditional groups), including the taksal and Nihangs, remained at the margins, with limited roles. Taksal rose to prominence with Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale as its head. After Operation Bluestar, it became the most influential organisation after SGPC and took an independent political line, which several times was at variance with mainstream Akalis. It remained a rallying point for Sikh groups, especially the radicals, and a parallel centre. The present taksal chief, Baba Harnam Singh Dhumma, has also headed Sant Samaj. Facing pressure from Sikh groups of different hues, the Badals forged an alliance with the taksal, including the Sant Samaj. In the 2011 SGPC elections, they contested as allies, with the taksal getting 20 seats. "Earlier, the taksal and other sampardas would have no influence in decision making, even as several granthis were coming from a taksal background and a few of them rose to prominence. But after Sant Samaj, led by the taksal chief, openly aligned with SAD, they started having major influence in decision making," former SGPC secretary Kulwant Singh Randhawa, who also authored two books on the Sikh body and Sikh affairs, told TOI in Nov last year. When SAD openly and repeatedly said RSS and BJP were taking control of Sikh institutions outside Punjab and were also behind attempts to dislodge Sukhbir Singh Badal from the leadership of SAD, the taksal announced support for the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance in the Maharashtra assembly elections in Nov. Bitterness had been brewing between SAD and the taksal. Now, the Akali Dal crisis has unfolded in a way that traditional groups, especially the taksal, have completely fallen out with the political party. Things have reached a point where Baba Dhumma led a dharna outside the SGPC office on March 28, during the meeting of its general house, against the unceremonious sacking of takht jathedars. In the latest stand-off, when taksal and Nihang groups are citing 'maryada' issues about the appointment of the new acting jathedar and arguing that his appointment has not been approved by the larger community, their grievance is also about their diminished role in SGPC's decision making. Over the past decade, Akali Dal weakened, despite controlling SGPC and by implication Akal Takht. However, the traditional groups gained influence and became a religious establishment in their own right. The phase of alliance seems to be over and they now appear to vying for control of religious institutions.
