Jathedar Joginder Singh Vedanti

Joginder Singh Vedanti served as Jathedar of the Akal Takht since March of 2008. One would think this is a position which gives one the status of being, perhaps, the most senior figure in the Sikh community in India and perhaps throughout the world.

However, Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti, resigned without providing any real reason for his stepping down. He now states that he was removed from his position by senior figures in the the SGPC who are apparently the real figures of power in Sikhi.

Differences of opinion with the Shromani Akali Dal (lead by Badal) and the SGPC (lead by Makkar) are cited as the apparent reason for his removal. At the time Avtar Singh Makkar, the SGPC president, attributed the resignation to Vedanti’s ill health.

Vedanti, however, has stated in a recent news conference (August 15, 2008), that he was ousted forcibly.