Internal row delays DSGMC executive members’ polls

Syed Ali Ahmed

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, March 24

Internal fighting between senior leaders of the Shiromani Akali Dal, Delhi unit, led to postponement of the election of five top executive members, including president and general secretary of the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC).

The Directorate of Gurdwara Elections elected Manjit Singh (GK) as pro tem chairman who announced that election of the executive members was postponed due to Fateh Diwas functions being organised at the Red Fort on March 25, 26. The election will be held on March 28.

After the meeting, Director of Gurdwara Directorate, Shurbir Singh said that the pro tem chairman requested for additional time for the executive committee election. “I can give him maximum 15 days' time,” he said.

Sources said that in the previous election, executive committee members were selected by the Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal. In this election, he is not taking interest as credit for winning the election goes to Manjit Singh (GK).

The sources said Manjit is firm on one-man-one post and wants new entrants in the committee. Manjit and other elected members of the party had a meeting with a senior party leader Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa but could not decide about final names of the executive members.

While coming back from the residence of Dhindsa, Manjit Singh and Avtar Singh Hit were in one vehicle while young leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa and others were in separate vehicles, the sources said.

In the previous committee, Manjinder Singh Sirsa was general secretary. At present, he is contesting MLA election from the Rajouri Garden Assembly constituency.