DSGMC chief GK hands over charge to deputy: ‘Haven’t quit’
CHANDIGARH : Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee chief and Akali Dal leader leader Manjit Singh GK on Tuesday handed over his charge to close confidante Harmeet Singh Kalka, triggering speculations that he was upset with the party leadership and had stepped down.
GK, later, clarified that he had not quit. “It is just that I will be busy with some personal work over the next 12 days. I have only handed over the charge to my deputy Kalka (senior vice-president of the DSGMC). I have not resigned,” he said. However, on being asked when will join back, he said, “I am not sure”.
In an interview to HT last month, GK, who is Delhi Akali Dal chief, had said his party was facing crisis of credibility and needed a course correction as it had failed to address Sikh issues. After some media reports indicated that GK had quit, it is learnt that senior Akali leaders, RS MP Balwinder Singh Bhundar and former cabinet minister Bikram Singh Majithia, met the Delhi leader at his residence and party president Sukhbir Singh Badal spoke to him over phone.
“In the hour of crisis, party doesn’t want to take any chances as GK has been vocal about the past developments concerning the party and its leaders,” said a SAD leader, pleading anonymity.
During his visit to USA last month, GK was attacked at two different events in New York and California. He had accused the supporters of Sikh advocacy group, SFJ, of attacking him.
The Akali Dal has been jolted by the voices of dissent. In September, party’s secretary general Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa and Rajya Sabha member resigned from the party post.
A day after, three leaders from Majha – Lok Sabha MP Ranjit Singh Brahmpura, former MP Rattan Singh Ajnala and former minister Sewa Singh Sekhwan, held a joint press conference to state that “all was not well in the party”.