The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has suspended its decision to install former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh's portrait in the Central Sikh Museum after facing objections from various groups. SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami has ordered a review of the matter.
According to reports, Balwant Singh Rajoana, currently imprisoned in Patiala jail, strongly opposed the SGPC's decision.
In a letter to the organisation responsible for managing gurdwaras, Rajoana expressed his dissent, stating that Dr Singh, during his tenure, represented a political party which he alleges was responsible for atrocities against Sikhs.
Rajoana, convicted for his involvement in the 1995 assassination of Punjab chief minister Beant Singh, contended that displaying Dr Singh's portrait in the Sikh Museum was inappropriate and unjustified. In his correspondence, Rajoana argued that as Dr Singh served as Prime Minister under a party he holds responsible for alleged genocide against Sikhs, the former PM's image should not be exhibited in a museum dedicated to preserving Sikh heritage and commemorating sacrifices.
