Amritsar, February 18
Akal Takht is likely to re-open the issue of ‘Baba Piara Singh Bhaniara, which had created a furore in Panthic circles before the Assembly elections by summoning a number of Sikhs belonging to different political parties, including the Congress, for violating a ‘hukamnama’ (edict) in this regard.

According to sources, Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti, Jathedar, Akal Takht, may convene a meeting of Sikh High Priests next month after discussing the matter with Prof Manjit Singh, Jathedar, Takht Kesgarh Sahib, who will arrive in India from Korea tomorrow.

Eminent Congress leaders Buta Singh and Mr Devinder Singh Babbu, president Punjab, Youth Congress, are among those who had visited the dera of Baba Bhaniara in violation of the edict.

It may be mentioned here that Baba Bhaniara was excommunicated with Akal Takht directing the Sikhs to severe all ties with the Baba. However, Sikhs belonging to different political parties continued to visit the dera. While senior Akali and SGPC leaders have already undergone ‘tankhah’ (religious punishment), not a single Congress leader has been summoned by Akal Takht so far.

Those who underwent ‘tankhah’ included Mr Gurdev Singh Badal, Senior Vice-President, Shiromani Akali Dal, Agriculture Minister and his son Kewal Singh Badal, senior Vice-President, (SGPC), and Sant Shamsher Singh Jagera, president All-India Sant Samaj.

Meanwhile, the Executive Committee meeting of the SGPC scheduled to be held here on February 20 may accept the resignation of Giani Kewal Singh, Jathedar, Takht Damdama Sahib. Though Giani Kewal Singh had submitted his resignation to Prof Kirpal Singh Badungar, SGPC chief, yet, he has not accepted the same. However, Prof Badungar has already stated that it is the prerogative of the executive to take any decision on the issue.

Meanwhile, uncertainty prevails in the SGPC with its members discussing the formation of next government. Any change in the state government would certainly have a direct impact on the SGPC. Many senior functionaries have adopted a ‘wait and watch’ policy.