Former DSGMC President Alleges Delhi Gurdwaras Under Siege, Seeks Parliamentary Intervention
In a significant development, former Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee president Harvinder Singh Sarna has made serious allegations that Delhi gurdwaras are "under siege" and their sanctity, integrity, and purpose are being systematically eroded. Sarna, who once headed the Takht Patna Sahib Management Committee and is a senior Shiromani Akali Dal functionary from Delhi, made these claims on Wednesday while calling on Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi.
Urgent Appeal to Rahul Gandhi for Parliamentary Action
During his meeting with Rahul Gandhi, Sarna presented a two-page letter urging the Congress leader to raise the issue in Parliament. The letter specifically demanded an independent audit of DSGMC finances and operations, along with the formation of a non-political committee comprising respected Sikh figures to "restore institutional integrity." Sarna emphasized that this crisis requires immediate parliamentary attention to protect Sikh religious institutions from further deterioration.
Serious Allegations of Financial Mismanagement and Corruption
Sarna detailed multiple allegations of corruption and mismanagement within the DSGMC. He claimed that individuals facing serious corruption allegations have entrenched themselves within the committee, operating with impunity due to political protection from the ruling establishment. "Funds donated by the Sangat are being diverted without transparent audits," Sarna stated, adding that misappropriation and opaque financial practices have replaced seva and accountability.
The former president highlighted the severe financial crisis affecting DSGMC-run educational institutions, with unpaid salaries amounting to nearly Rs 500 crore — figures he noted have been acknowledged in high court proceedings. "These once-thriving schools are now collapsing due to unchecked corruption," he lamented.
DSGMC President Counters with Alliance Allegations
In response to Sarna's actions, DSGMC president Harmeet Singh Kalka held a press conference later the same day, alleging that Sarna's meeting with Rahul Gandhi was actually an alliance bid with Congress. Kalka questioned why Sarna didn't approach Akal Takht Jathedar or ask SAD MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal to raise the issues in Parliament instead of meeting Rahul Gandhi. "The real purpose was different," Kalka asserted, adding that he would write to the Jathedar seeking action against Sarna.
Political Context and Broader Implications
Sarna's meeting with Rahul Gandhi occurred amid the BJP's attempts to project that Rahul's recent jibe at MoS Ravneet Bittu was aimed at his Sikh identity. The Delhi Congress posted pictures of the meeting on social media platform X, adding to the political significance of the encounter.
BJP functionary Charanjit Singh Brar, who recently shifted loyalties from Akali Dal to BJP, dismissed Sarna's charges as "political hypocrisy." Brar pointed out the apparent contradiction in SAD claiming distance from Congress while a key SAD functionary meets Congress's Rahul Gandhi.
Additional Allegations and Institutional Concerns
Beyond financial matters, Sarna made further concerning allegations about leadership within DSGMC. He claimed that several individuals in leadership positions could not recite Gurbani, while others were under investigation by enforcement agencies. Sarna framed these "lapses" as representing a broader failure of institutional autonomy, manipulated by those loyal to the ruling elite.
The former DSGMC president's actions have brought renewed attention to the governance of Sikh religious institutions in Delhi, raising questions about political interference, financial transparency, and institutional integrity that may have far-reaching consequences for the Sikh community and religious administration in the national capital.
