Radical leaders in Delhi for campaign

Sikh radical leaders can’t stay away from the gurdwara politics. A number of them who once actively participated in the pro-Khalistan movement have reached Delhi to support their “own men” contesting the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) polls scheduled for February 26.

Wassan Singh Zafarwal, 64, a former chief of Khalistan Commando Force, is camping in Delhi for past three days to garner support for the candidates fielded by Shiromani Akali Dal (Delhi) led by former DSGMC president Paramjit Singh Sarna. “I am meeting Sikh families in Delhi to persuade them to vote for Sarna’s candidates,” said Zafarwal, who currently is associated with the United Akali Dal.

“Given the present circumstances when a series of incidents of sacrilege of Guru Granth Sahib took place in Punjab during Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal)-led government, and the party took support of Dera Sacha Sauda during the state polls on February 4, I think Sarna is a better option,” he said.

Mohkam Singh, 57, an associate of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, has also been camping in Delhi to support Sarna’s candidates. Four years ago, Mohkam Singh had supported SAD (Badal) candidates. “There is anger among the Sikhs due to sacrilege of Guru Granth Sahib. So, I decided to support Sarna this time because there is none other than Sarna who can defeat Badals,” he said.

Paramjit Singh Sarna said that radical leaders’ presence will improve his poll prospects. “In the last elections, I made the mistake of not taking their support, and lost. I don’t want to take any chance this time.”