Giani Jagtar Singh likely to replace Giani Gurbachan Singh as SGPC appointed Akal Takht Jathedar

AMRITSAR SAHIB : Sikh24 has learnt from internal sources that the SGPC is deliberating to appoint Giani Jagtar Singh (Head Granthi of Sri Harmandir Sahib) as its new Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib. Giani Jagtar Singh will replace Giani Gurbachan Singh as the “SGPC appointed” Jathedar. He is not replacing Sarbat Khalsa appointed Jathedar Bhai Jagtar Singh Hawara.Giani Jagtar Singh hails from Ludhiana and has good relations with SGPC President Avtar Makkar. He was appointed as the Granthi of Sachkhand Sri Harmandir Sahib with recommendation of Makkar.It is noteworthy here that the SGPC is keen to replace its Jathedars of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Takht Sri Damdama Sahib and Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib. By granting an un-requested pardon to Gurmeet Ram Rahim in blasphemy charges, the SGPC Jathedars lost their credibility among Sikh community. Since then, they have been facing sharp opposition from the Sikh devotees in every public appearance at religious functions.Initially, the SGPC President Avtar Makkar had back-supported the Jathedars to remain adamant about their decision of pardoning Gurmeet Ram Rahim. SGPC spent huge sums of money on advertisements to promote such the forgiveness to Ram Rahim was according to Sikhi. However, after failing deliberately to push its agenda, the SGPC has started deliberating upon appointing new Jathedars. Aside from Giani Jagtar Singh, SGPC is having hard time finding other suitable personalities.