Panthic groups out to corner Badals

Varinder Singh

Tribune News Service

Bathinda, May 28

Panthic outfits are making a pitch for a united front against the Badals’ Shiromani Akali Dal in the SGPC poll.

Akhand Akali Dal (1920) chief and former Assembly Speaker Ravi Inder Singh said, “We give a call to all Sikh outfits and parties opposed to the Badals to get united so that the SGPC can be freed from their clutches. People of Punjab, particularly Sikhs, are anguished over the incidents of desecration during the SAD-BJP rule.”

The five-year term of the SGPC General House had expired in December 16 last year, but the elections have not been announced by the Centre so far. Former Takht Damdama Sahib Jathedar and Akhand Akali Dal (1920) patron Balwant Singh Nandgarh said the time was ripe to end the Badals’ interference in SGPC affairs.

When contacted, United Akali Dal secretary general Gurdip Singh Bathinda said, “We are in favour of a united front. Any person or outfit which is against the Badals and their autocratic style of functioning is welcome to join.” He said SAD (Amritsar) could also be part of the proposed conglomerate.