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Majithia 'tankhaiya': Takht Sri Hazur Sahib
Perneet Singh
Tribune News Service

Amritsar, April 27
The controversy surrounding the blasphemous speech of Punjab Revenue Minister Bikram Singh Majithia took a new turn today with Takht Sri Hazur Sahib, Nanded, issuing an edict and declaring him ‘tankhaiya’ (guilty of religious misconduct).

During a public rally here on April 25, Majithia had recited Guru Gobind Singh’s ‘Shabad’ and distorted it by using Arun Jaitley’s name in it.

Instead of saying “nischay kar apni jeet karu” at the end, Majithia said, “nischay kar Arun Jaitley ki jeet karu”. The action of Takht Sri Hazur Sahib came a day after Majithia tendered an apology for it by personally appearing before the Akal Takht Jathedar here.

The decision was announced at Takht Sri Hazur Sahib following a meeting of ‘Panj Pyaras’ chaired by takht Jathedar Bhai Kulwant Singh.

They said that Majithia had distorted the ‘baani’ of Guru Gobind Singh, which was a sacrilegious move, and it has led to widespread resentment within the community. They said the Sikh Sangat wants him to be punished for it and therefore, he has been declared ‘tankhaiya’. The takht has also directed the Sikh community to socially boycott him.

Meanwhile, former DSGMC chief Paramjit Singh Sarna has hailed the move of Takht Sri Hazur Sahib stating that he greets the Jathedar for the decision as it was above politics. He said the Akal Takht Jathedar should also take a cue from Takht Sri Hazur Sahib and act against Majithia.

Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh said the matter would be deliberated upon in the next meeting of the Sikh clergy. On Takht Sri Hazur Sahib’s edict, he said he was yet to receive a copy of it.

Meanwhile, the activists of the United Sikh Movement took out a protest march here against Majithia over the issue and also burnt his effigy.

Earlier, Congress candidate Captain Amarinder Singh had written to the Akal Takht Jathedar urging him to ex-communicate Majithia for his blasphemous speech. He had also written to the Election Commission pleading that Majithia be barred from campaigning -- drawing a parallel with the cases of Narendra Modi’s aide Amit Shah and SP leader Azam Khan.

‘Blasphemous speech’

• During a public rally in Amritsar on April 25, Majithia had recited Guru Gobind Singh’s ‘Shabad’ and distorted it by using Arun Jaitley’s name in it.
• Instead of saying “nischay kar apni jeet karu” at the end, Majithia said, “nischay kar Arun Jaitley ki jeet karu”.