Sri Akal Takht Sahib Declares AAP MLA Manwinder Singh Giaspura 'Tankhaiya

In a significant religious ruling, Sri Akal Takht Sahib has declared Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA from Payal constituency, Manwinder Singh Giaspura, as Tankhaiya (guilty of religious misconduct). The highest temporal seat of the Sikhs has also directed the Sikh community to refrain from maintaining social relations with him. The decision was reached during a formal meeting of the Panj Singh Sahiban (five high priests) at the Akal Takht Secretariat.

Allegations and Findings

According to the directive released by Sri Akal Takht Sahib, MLA Giaspura was found guilty of leveling false allegations of caste-based discrimination against the sewadars (volunteers/staff) of Sri Harmandir Sahib and using derogatory language against revered Sikh institutions.

The order detailed that on October 12, a delegation of AAP legislators and leaders visited the Akal Takht Secretariat. In adherence to earlier directives, Giaspura was barred from entering the premises. Following this denial of entry, Giaspura publicly alleged that he had faced caste-based discrimination from the staff.

Delegation Clarification Led to Action

On October 16, a delegation of AAP MLAs appeared before the Panj Singh Sahiban and clarified that no caste-related discrimination had occurred on October 12, affirming that Giaspura had fabricated the caste angle intentionally. After evaluating testimonies and evidence, the Panj Singh Sahiban held Giaspura accountable for violating Panthic norms and defaming institutions, officially pronouncing him Tankhaiya.