SAD (PS) to protest SGPC election delay as tensions within Sikh leadership rise

Senior leaders present at the meeting included Gurpartap Singh Wadala, Bibi Jagir Kaur, Gobind Singh Longowal, Parminder Singh Dhindsa, Sucha Singh Chhotepur, Surjit Singh Rakhra, Iqbal Singh Jhunda, Sarwan Singh Phillaur, Bhai Manjit Singh, Ajaypal Singh Mirankot, Sukhwinder Singh Aulakh and advocate Rajdev Singh Khalsa.

The meeting accused SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami of remaining silent on the issue.

It was decided that all SGPC members associated with SAD (PS) will submit a formal complaint to the Akal Takht jathedar to ensure that no one questions decisions taken in line with Sikh maryada in future.

During the Saturday meeting, a resolution was passed strongly condemning SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal’s remarks describing the December 2 Akal Takht edicts as a conspiracy. The leaders called his statement inappropriate and against Sikh traditions.

Giani Harpreet Singh announced that a major agitation would be launched to protest the delay in SGPC elections. He spoke at a joint meeting of the core committee, working committee and district presidents of SAD (PS), stating that the delay reflects undue government interference and has allowed one faction to maintain its hold for an extended period. The discussion reaffirmed that SGPC elections are due every five years, but none have occurred since 2011.

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs refused to extend the tenure of Justice SS Saron (retired) as chief commissioner for gurdwara elections; the ministry has not appointed a successor, leaving the voter registration process hanging.

The article notes that SGPC elections are supposed to be held every five years, but none have taken place since 2011, highlighting a prolonged delay in the apex Sikh body’s electoral process.