Simranjit Singh Mann questions delay in SGPC elections, raises issues of Sikh political representation and Punjab’s interests
Amritsar, September 15, 2026: Slogans of “Khalistan Zindabad” were reportedly raised during a programme organised by the Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) on Heritage Street in Amritsar on Tuesday as the party observed Democracy Day.
SAD (Amritsar) president Simranjit Singh Mann addressed the gathering and raised several political and religious issues, including the long-pending elections to the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC).
Mann Questions Delay in SGPC Elections
During his address, Mann alleged that SGPC elections, which are expected to be held every five years, have not been conducted for nearly 15 years.
He accused the BJP-led Central Government and the Badal family of weakening the democratic process within Sikh institutions. These were political allegations made by Mann during the programme.
References to Khalistan Demand and 1984
Mann also referred to the events of 1984, saying that the foundation for the demand for Khalistan was laid following attacks on the Golden Temple and other gurdwaras.
The slogans reported during the programme came amid Mann’s wider remarks on Sikh political issues and the demand for greater political representation.
Mann Criticises Agniveer Scheme
The SAD (Amritsar) leader also criticised the Agniveer recruitment scheme, claiming that Sikh youth were not supportive of the four-year military service arrangement.
He additionally raised questions about India’s defence preparedness and its dependence on foreign technology and equipment.
Remarks on BRICS, Quad and Foreign Policy
Mann also spoke about international groupings including BRICS and the Quad and made allegations concerning the sharing of confidential information with Russia and China.
He further said that the United States should remove India from the Quad. The remarks were part of his broader criticism of India’s foreign and defence policies.
Demand for Kartarpur Corridor Reopening
The SAD (Amritsar) president also called for the reopening of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor and the resumption of trade through the Wagah border.
Mann argued that reopening trade could benefit Punjab’s farmers by providing them access to better markets and prices for their agricultural produce.
He also questioned why the Kartarpur Corridor could not be reopened while the Amarnath Yatra continues in Jammu and Kashmir.
March Towards Golden Temple
According to organisers, the protest march was scheduled to proceed towards the Golden Temple, where a memorandum would be submitted to the SGPC, the Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, the Head Granthi and other concerned representatives.
The programme brought together SAD (Amritsar) supporters in Amritsar as the party raised a range of political, religious and Punjab-related issues.
