4 members from revolt-hit Majha in SGPC executive

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, November 13

In a damage-control exercise following the rebellion by Taksali SAD veterans, five SGPC members from the Majha zone were inducted as office-bearers or part of the new executive of the apex body on Tuesday. Last time, the count was three.

Majha Akali stalwarts Ranjit Singh Brahmpura, Dr Rattan Singh Ajnala and Sewa Singh Sekhwan, besides Amarpal Singh Boney and Ravinder Singh Brahmpura, were recently expelled from the SAD in view of their “anti-party” activities.

Gurbachan Singh Karmuwal has been reappointed general secretary, while Bhai Manjit Singh (Amritsar), Amrik Singh Vichhoa (Ajnala), Jasbir Singh Jaffarwal (Gurdaspur) and Khushwinder Singh Bhatia (Patti) were inducted into the executive.

Of the 15 members nominated on Tuesday (four officer-bearers and 11 of the executive), Gobind Singh Longowal and Raghujit Singh Virk were reappointed president and senior vice-president, respectively, while Baba Gurmeet Singh Trilokewala was reinstated into the executive.

The rest are new entrants. Shinghara Singh Lohian, who had switched loyalties to AAP, has been inducted into the executive. Alwinder Pal Singh Pakhoke, nephew of Ranjit Singh Brahmpura, is expected to be included in the executive under an expansion plan.