Dispute over jathedar appointments increases Sikh group divisions

A dispute has intensified among major Sikh groups over the appointment of new jathedars. The Damdami Taksal's Ajnala faction rejected the appointments, while the Sangrawan faction supported them, deepening divisions within the seminary. The Navi Mumbai Gurdwara's supreme council backed the Chowk Mehta faction and called for the reinstatement of the removed jathedars. They urged the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee to reconsider its decision before the upcoming budget session. Sikh theologian Harjeet Singh noted that the rejection of the new jathedars has weakened the Ajnala faction's influence. He pointed out the low turnout at the gathering where the rejection was announced, indicating a lack of support for the decision.