Akal Takht officiating Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj’s overture to prominent preacher Ranjit Singh Dhadrianwale to clarify his defiance of the Takht’s directives is being seen as a conciliatory move to join forces to address the trend of apostasy in Punjab. In response, Dhadrianwale has expressed his willingness to join the Sikh propagation campaign initiated by Giani Gargaj.

Dhadrianwale, who is known for his “modern and rational” approach to Sikhism, leads Gurdwara Parmeshar Dwar, located on the Patiala-Sangrur highway, which spans 33 acres. Despite facing controversies, he commands a significant following in India and abroad.

The Akal Takht’s softening of stand against Dhadrianwale is being viewed in some quarters as an attempt to counter the opposition from Damdami Taksal, a Sikh seminary led by Harnam Singh Khalsa ‘Dhumma’. Both command a significant following. The move could potentially strengthen the SGPC’s position in the religio-political landscape.

The long-standing conflict between Dhadrianwale and Damdami Taksal primarily revolves around differing views on Sikh traditions and practices. Dhumma supports the recital of Dasam Granth (texts attributed to Guru Gobind Singh) along with Guru Granth Sahib, and emphasises ritualistic practices like the recital of seven ‘banis’ (sacred texts).

Dhadrianwale, instead, advocates the recital of five ‘banis’ as per his interpretation of Sikh traditions (‘maryada’).

Further tensions have arisen over accusations that Dhadrianwale recites ‘kachi bani’ (non-Guru-authored verses) set to popular movie tunes, and distorts Gurbani and rejects traditional practices like ‘amrit vela’ (early morning prayers) and ‘naam japna’ (meditative chanting).

The two factions have often clashed, with Dhadrianwale terming threats from the Taksal “religious hooliganism”.

Between 2019 and 2020, there have been complaints accusing Dhadrianwale of delivering distorted sermons on Sikh history and principles. A sub-committee constituted by the Akal Takht repeatedly summoned Dhadrianwale to explain his statements but he skipped the scheduled meetings on three occasions.

On August 24, 2020, based on the sub-committee’s adverse report, the Akal Takht issued an edict urging the Sikh community to boycott Dhadrianwale until he sought clemency. He has not yet appeared for a clarification.

Recently, Dhadrianwale claimed that his statements were morphed and politically influenced, hinting at his willingness to clarify matters after returning from the US.

Dhadrianwale emphasises rationality and logic, urging followers to think critically. He asserts that Guru Granth Sahib encourages logical thinking, which should guide faith and practices, thus blending modern perspectives with traditional teachings.

Dhadrianwale’s wide following has also attracted the attention of political figures. Rebel Akali leader Bibi Jagir Kaur recently shared the stage with him at an event in Kapurthala, despite previously condemning him. Reports suggest that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s wife, Gurpreet Kaur, appeared alongside him at a Baisakhi celebration. Former MP Preneet Kaur from Patiala is a regular visitor to the dera.

Following an assassination attempt in 2016, which resulted in the death of his associate Bhupinder Singh, Dhadrianwale’s Gurdwara Parmeshar Dwar and his travels are heavily guarded.