Giani Harpreet Singh, president of the Shiromani Akali Dal (Punar Surjit) and former Akal Takht Jathedar, announced on Sunday that a protest will be held in New Delhi on November 20 to demand early elections for the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC).
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the protest is scheduled to take place outside Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib, near Parliament. Singh stated that party leaders, SGPC members, and a significant number of Sikh devotees are expected to gather at the gurdwara at 11 a.m. on the same day as the SGPC’s annual general house meeting in Amritsar. The aim is to pressure the central government to conduct the long-delayed elections.
Giani Harpreet Singh alleged that the nearly 15-year delay in holding SGPC elections has weakened the institution and fostered an environment conducive to corruption and nepotism. He attributed the current situation to the central government and the Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal), claiming that both entities are collaborating to maintain the control of the existing leadership.
Further allegations were made by Giani Harpreet Singh concerning nepotism in SGPC appointments. He claimed that relatives of approximately 40 to 50 percent of SGPC members are employed within the committee’s educational institutions and gurdwaras. He contended that while ordinary employees face lengthy waits for promotions, relatives of influential members receive faster advancements. Giani Harpreet Singh called for an impartial inquiry into these alleged irregularities in appointments and promotions.
Citing provisions of the Gurdwara Act, he asserted that the employment of blood relatives of SGPC members is explicitly prohibited by the rules. He suggested that a thorough investigation into these alleged irregularities could uncover a significant scandal.
In addition to the protest announcement, Giani Harpreet Singh declared that members of his party would boycott the SGPC’s annual general meeting scheduled for November 20. He expressed dissatisfaction with the proceedings, alleging that opposition members are not provided with adequate opportunities to voice their opinions.
Addressing the persistent delay in SGPC elections, he noted that legal obstacles, including petitions filed by some Haryana-based members in the High Court, are being cited as reasons for the postponement. He expressed the view that the central government could resolve these issues if it were genuinely committed to holding the elections.
When questioned about why he had not raised these concerns during his tenure as Akal Takht Jathedar, Giani Harpreet Singh stated that he had repeatedly urged the SGPC to pass a resolution and submit it to the central government. However, he claimed that the incumbent leadership deliberately avoided taking such action.
Giani Harpreet Singh also commented on recent political developments, criticising Sukhbir Singh Badal, Prem Singh Chandumajra, and Bibi Jagir Kaur. He alleged that Chandumajra continued to work in favour of Sukhbir Badal even while associated with his faction. Regarding Jagir Kaur’s return to the Badal-led Akali Dal, he remarked on her history of switching political affiliations and advised her to remain steadfast with the party she had rejoined.
Giani Harpreet Singh dismissed speculation about an alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), stating that his party would not compromise its principles with the central government. He challenged Sukhbir Badal to merge his party with the BJP if he was intent on forming an alliance.
He emphasised that his party’s sole alliance is with Akal Takht and the Sikh Gurus. The party is in the process of appointing coordinators across all 117 Assembly constituencies in Punjab to strengthen its organisational base in preparation for the upcoming state Assembly elections. He also confirmed that correspondence with the Election Commission and necessary legal formalities for the party’s registration are underway and expected to be completed soon.
The Chenab Times News Desk
