Ensure fair selection in gurdwara panel, Sikh community urges govt, members

A section of Sikh community leaders has urged the elected members of the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (HSGMC) and the state government to ensure that those who lost the recent HSGMC elections are not given a backdoor entry into the committee.

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Expressing concerns, community members alleged that the government may try to appoint its loyalists, who were rejected by voters, to maintain its influence over the gurdwaras.

The 40 elected members of the HSGMC are set to co-opt nine additional members, bringing the total strength of the committee to 49. Sikh leaders have urged elected representatives to select only deserving individuals for these positions.

Jasbir Singh, a community leader, emphasised, "The Sikh Sangat has chosen its representatives to ensure the smooth functioning of the HSGMC. We appeal to the government, elected members and the Election Commission to prevent any backdoor entries. Those who lost have been rejected by the community and should have no role in the new committee."

Sikh youth leader Dr Jasvinder Singh Khehra voiced similar concerns, stating, "There are indications that some government loyalists, including Baljit Singh Daduwal and candidates who contested under his banner but lost, are attempting to re-enter the committee with government support. The Sikh Sangat will strongly oppose any such move. We urge the government not to interfere in HSGMC and gurdwara affairs. Elected members should select community leaders who have genuinely served Sikh interests — intellectuals, educationists and saints."

An elected HSGMC member, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said, "Soon after the results were announced, reports surfaced that some defeated candidates began lobbying for a backdoor entry through government intervention. This is unacceptable. Since no group holds a clear majority, intense lobbying and back-to-back meetings are underway to secure control of the HSGMC."