From News Dispatches AMRITSAR: Prof Darshan Singh, head priest of the Akal Takhat (highest temporal seat in Sikh religion) September 15 submitted a written standing offer of resignation from his post to the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) the Sikh Shrines Management Committee.
‘The head priest in his letter said the reason for submitting his standing resignation was to enable the SGPC to accommodate any desirous party on this post as and when. required for the sake of unity and welfare of the Sikh panth.
“There is no need to hatch any conspiracy to oust me from this post,” he added.
Prof Darshan Singh’s action came amid reports of differences between the head priest and SGPC leaders over the withdrawal of Gherao (surrounding) of the Governor’s Office on September 8.
Several leaders including detained SGPC President G.S. Tohra and former Chief Minister and Akali Dal (L) President SS, Barnala had criticized the head priest for withdrawing the Gherao.
Talking to reporters, the head priest said he had no lust for the post and this written offer will give right to the SGPC to relieve him as and when required.
Prof Darshan Singh said he would continue to attend to his normal duties until he was relieved by the SGPC through a resolution.
“I will undertake the tour of Punjab as scheduled from September 18 to have a firsthand account of the harassment of women in police stations,” he added in his September 15 letter. Meanwhile, Mr. Tohra told the SGPC not to accept Prof Darshan Singh’s resignation.
Article extracted from this publication >> September 22, 1989
