Candidates kick off DSGMC poll campaign with gusto

Syed Ali Ahmed

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, February 7

As 19 days are left for the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee  (DSGMC) elections, candidates have begun campaigning. They are concentrating on door-to-door meeting with the electorate.

The Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal) candidates are highlighting their achievements,  contestants of Shiromani Akali Dal (Delhi) led by the Sarna brothers are pointing out  the Guru Harkishan Hospital issue, education issue, cancellation of admission in polytechnic institute, parking of Bangla Sahib Gurdwara and misuse of money donated by people in gurdwaras.

The third major party Panthak Seva Dal that has support of the Aam Aadmi Party is  posing itself differently. It says it will do everything for the community if voted to the DSGMC.

The SAD Badal claims that because of the party for the first time in the history of the community, contribution of Baba Baghel Singh who had defeated the Mughals and Banda Singh  Bahadur who had established Sikh rule in Punjab were brought to the knowledge  of the world. A function was organised at Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium on the  completion of 300 years of Banda Singh Bahadur and installation of his statue at Nabha House near Mandi House. Construction of 1984 anti-Sikh riots memorial is another  achievement of the party, it claims.

Besides, increase in salary, implementation of the Sixth Pay Commission  recommendations in schools, service to flood victims (Sikh and non-Sikh) in

 Uttrakhand and Jammu and Kashmir were other works claimed to have been accomplished by the party.

The Badals also worked towards enhancing the compensation amount from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 5 lakh given to riots victims.

Main contenders in the Badal party are DSGMC president Manjit Singh (GK), general secretary Manjinder Singh Sirsa, Avtar Singh Hit, Tanwant Singh, MPS Chadha and Harmit Kalka.

In the Sarna party, the main contenders are Paramjit Singh Sarna, Bhajan Singh Walia, Harpal Singh Kochar, Gyan Singh and Prabhjeet Singh Jiti.

In Panthak Seva Dal, Kartar Singh Kochar is a biggest name.