Sikh body postpones office-bearers’ elections to Mar 28

:Failing to reach consensus over certain posts, the newly elected Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) on Friday postponed the elections of its office-bearers to March 28.

Sources said Manjinder Singh Sirsa, who was the general secretary in the previous term, wanted to be re-elected to the second senior-most post of the gurdwara body, but was challenged by three other contenders: Harmeet Singh Kalka, Harmanjit Singh and Amarjeet Singh Pappu.

They staked their claim, taking the plea that the post needs to be filled by a new face. As things got chaotic, Avtar Singh Hit also staked his claim for the post of president.

As the House couldn’t reach a consensus, the elections were postponed, with Manjit Singh GK unanimously elected the pro tem chairman.

“The committee elections have been put on hold as a consensus couldn’t be reached on certain names proposed to be made the office-bearers,” Sirsa told HT, adding Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal was busy and a final decision couldn’t be reached.

Earlier, senior party leaders, including Rajya Sabha member SS Dhindsa and Lok Sabha member Prem Singh Chandumajra, held a meeting with GK and Sirsa, where the two Delhi leaders remained divided on re-electing certain office-bearers.

While postponing the elections, the DSGMC claimed it had been done as it would be busy celebrating Delhi Fateh Diwas on March 25 and 26.

GK’s close aide Kulmohan Singh said: “The elections could have taken place even if there were multiple contenders, but it would have divided the party. By postponing the polls, an attempt has been made to avert fissures.”

Out of 51 members in the House (46 elected and five co-opted), the SAD (Badal) claims support of 41. Chandumajra, Dhindsa and GK were not available for comment.