Damdami Taksal plans protest to restore jathedars' positions

Damdami Taksal, a prominent Sikh religious group, is working to regain its influence in the Sikh political landscape. Baba Harnam Singh Dhuma, the chief of Damdami Taksal, is organizing a protest at the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) office in Amritsar on March 28. This protest aims to demand the reinstatement of jathedars, or religious leaders, who were dismissed. For nearly 25 years, Damdami Taksal played a crucial role for various Sikh organizations. However, its alliance with the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) about 15 years ago changed its focus. While it still supported the SAD in several elections, public sentiment against the party grew after controversial incidents in 2015, such as the Bargari sacrilege. Despite continuing support for SAD, the party faced significant electoral losses in 2022 and 2024. During this time, other Sikh leaders and groups emerged to fill the gap left by the Taksal. These included popular Sikh activists like Ranjit Singh Dhadrianwale and Amritpal Singh. Recent events have further fueled discontent within the Sikh community. The unexpected dismissal of jathedars by the SGPC, allegedly influenced by SAD leader Sukhbir Singh Badal, sparked outrage. This unrest has provided an opportunity for Damdami Taksal to take center stage again. In response to community anger, Baba Dhuma called for the protest at the SGPC office after a meeting held during the Hola Mohalla festival. He is actively mobilizing support for this demonstration, seeking to reclaim Damdami Taksal's historical role in Sikh politics.