SAD (Reorganised) Vows Agitation to Force SGPC Elections, Criticizes Government Interference
In a significant political development, the Shiromani Akali Dal (Reorganised) has announced plans to launch a major agitation aimed at compelling the government to conduct the long-overdue elections for the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC). The decision was made public following a high-level meeting held in Amritsar on Saturday, presided over by party president Giani Harpreet Singh, the former Jathedar of Akal Takht.
Meeting Attended by Top Leadership and District Heads
The gathering saw the participation of the core committee, working committee, and all district presidents of SAD (Reorganised), underscoring the party's unified stance on this critical issue. Addressing the media after the meeting, Harpreet Singh emphasized that the delay in holding SGPC elections constitutes government interference in Sikh religious affairs. He alleged that this prolonged postponement is a deliberate strategy to maintain the control of a particular faction within the Sikh community, thereby undermining democratic processes.
Resolution Condemns Sukhbir Singh Badal's Statements
During the joint meeting, a resolution was unanimously passed condemning the recent remarks made by Sukhbir Singh Badal, who labeled the December 2 Hukamnamas as a conspiracy. Harpreet Singh further disclosed that it was decided that all SGPC members affiliated with SAD (Reorganised) would file a formal complaint with the officiating Jathedar of Akal Takht against Sukhbir Singh Badal. The complaint seeks strict disciplinary action under Sikh traditions for his characterization of the decisions made by the five Sikh high priests as conspiratorial. This move aims to uphold the sanctity of Sikh religious protocols and ensure that future decisions made in accordance with Sikh maryada are not questioned.
Allegations of Conspiracy and Demands for Farmer Compensation
The participants also criticized SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami for his silence on the matter, interpreting it as part of an alleged broader conspiracy. Additionally, the meeting addressed pressing socio-economic concerns, with a strong demand for the government to provide immediate compensation to farmers who have suffered significant losses due to recent heavy rains and hailstorms. This highlights the party's focus on both religious autonomy and agrarian welfare.
Prominent Figures Present at the Meeting
The meeting was attended by several notable leaders, including:
- Gurpartap Singh Wadala
- Bibi Jagir Kaur
- Gobind Singh Longowal
- Parminder Singh Dhindsa
- Sucha Singh Chhotepur
- Surjit Singh Rakhra
- Iqbal Singh Jhunda
Their collective presence underscores the widespread support within SAD (Reorganised) for the agitation and the resolutions passed, marking a pivotal moment in Punjab's political and religious landscape as the party mobilizes to address electoral delays and protect Sikh traditions.
