Taksal chief Dhuma faces backlash over political ties
Amritsar, May 13 2025 (Bharat Khabarnama Bureau) – The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has dismantled the ‘Gumatees’ or kiosk minars erected by the Sikh seminary Damdami Taksal at the martyrdom site of Baba Deep Singh within the Darbar Sahib complex. The move comes amid ongoing renovation work and has sparked criticism over the SGPC’s oversight in preserving Sikh architectural integrity.
Sources reveal that the minars, resembling structures commonly seen in Hindu temples, were removed after the SGPC deemed them inconsistent with Sikh religious aesthetics. Sachkhand Sri Harmandir Sahib manager Bhagwant Singh Dhangera stated, “The Gumatees were not aligned with the Sikh psyche. We instructed their removal as they deviated from traditional Sikh architecture. Moreover, there were no kiosk minars at the site before the renovation and the newly erected ones did not match Sikh architecture”.
The controversy has raised broader concerns about the SGPC’s management of Sikh heritage sites. Notably, the Damdami Taksal, led by Harnam Singh Dhuma, was entrusted with the site’s restoration by SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami in November 2024 for completing restoration and beautification works in a year but preserving it in original design. The Taksal had also been collecting donations for the project directly from the Darbar Sahib premises.
However, Sikh scholars and historians have condemned the installation of non-Sikh structures within the sacred complex. Dr Pritam Singh remarked, “The minars they have installed are typical of Hindu temple architecture. Every place has its aesthetic. You can’t use Sikh architecture in temples or mosques. Sikh shrines have their own distinct identity. If such errors can occur at Darbar Sahib, what does this say about the SGPC’s supervision of other historical gurdwaras?” He further criticized the SGPC for lacking specialized institutions dedicated to Sikh architecture, leading to such lapses.
Dhuma’s political affiliations stir discontent among Sikhs
Adding to the controversy, Damdami Taksal chief Harnam Singh Dhuma has faced backlash from the Sikhs for his recent political engagements with Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) leadership. Dhuma openly supported the BJP during the Maharashtra general elections and has held multiple meetings with Maharashtra Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister, drawing sharp criticism from Sikh groups who view such alliances as compromising Panthic values.
Further alienating sections of the community, Dhuma recently took a holy dip at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, a move perceived by many Sikhs as an endorsement of Hindu rituals, contrary to Sikh tenets. His actions have fueled accusations of diluting Sikh religious distinctiveness for political gains.
Opposition to SGPC’s appointments of Jathedars
Dhuma has also been a vocal opponent of the SGPC’s recent appointments of Jathedars (high priests) at the three Takhts (Sikh temporal seats). In a recent protest, he had staged a sit-in outside Darbar Sahib, demanding the removal of the newly appointed clergy. Recently he has even threatened to stage a demonstration outside the residence of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president if his demands are not met.
The SGPC, however, remains firm on its decisions. A senior committee member stated, “The appointments were made following due protocol. Personal grievances should not disrupt the sanctity of our institutions.”
As tensions escalate, the Sikh community remains divided over Dhuma’s leadership, with many questioning whether his actions align with the broader interests of the Panth or serve personal and political motives. The removal of the kiosk minars has intensified scrutiny over both the Damdami Taksal’s role in Sikh religious affairs and the SGPC’s ability to safeguard Sikh heritage.
