Jhinda sacked, Nalvi takes over as HSGMC president
A 28-member executive committee of the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (HSGMC ad hoc) on Sunday appointed Didar Singh Nalvi as its president, removing Jagdish Singh Jhinda from the post.
The decision was taken at an emergency meeting of the HSGMC executive committee at Kaithal’s Neem Sahib Gurdwara. Parallel jathedar of Takht Damdama Sahib Baljit Singh Daduwal, who is also executive committee member of the HSGMC, proposed Jhinda’s removal from the top post. Seventeen members were present at the meeting and 11 members extended their support to Nalvi over mobile phone.
Confirming the development, Nalvi said: “The executive committee has appointed me as the HSGMC president till May 7,
JHINDA TERMS MOVE UNCONSTITUTIONAL; EXECUTIVE PANEL TO MEET ON MAY 7 TO NAME OFFICEBEARERS
when the next meeting of the general body will be held to appoint the president, vice-president and other office-bearers. Till then, I will take care of the HSGMC bank accounts and operations.” Jhinda has no right to call any meeting and take decision related to HSGMC, he added.
The action came after Jhinda appeared before the Akal Takht a few days ago and apologised for getting the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Act, 2014, passed in the state assembly. “Jhinda had joined the enemy’s camp and has backstabbed the Sikhs of Haryana,” said Nalvi.
Jhinda, Nalvi and senior Congress leader HS Chatha were ex-communicated from the Sikh Panth in July 2014 after the trio failed to appear before the Akal Takht.
Jhinda could not be contacted despite repeated attempts. However, sources said he has termed the removal unconstitutional as he was appointed under the law enacted by the Haryana government. In 2014, the outgoing Bhupinder Singh Hooda-led Congress government had constituted a 41-member ad hoc HSGMC to manage, supervise and take over the assets of gurdwaras in Haryana, giving a boost to the demand of separate Sikh body in the state.