Haryana Govt interfering in management of gurdwara panel: Jhinda

Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (HSGMC) chief Jagdish Singh Jhinda today accused the state government of interfering in the management of the committee, saying that nagar kirtans dedicated to the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur had been scheduled across the state as per government orders, but the committee had not been consulted.

The government should hold a meeting with the committee members and take responsibility for upholding the sanctity of Guru Sahib, he said. If the government failed to do so, the HSGMC would not participate in the nagar kirtans, warned Jhinda.

He further said that the programme planned by the government on November 25 in Kurukshetra coincided with Gita Jayanti Mahotsav, and lakhs of devotees were expected to participate. If any incident of sacrilege took place, the committee would not tolerate it, he said.

The committee also expressed resentment that a havan was performed by Union minister Manohar Lal Khattar in Yamunanagar while laying the foundation stone for the construction of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Memorial.

Jhinda said, “We were ready to cooperate with the government and seek its cooperation, but the Sikh Judicial Commission’s directions and warnings, due to which the general house and budget meeting scheduled for October 31 had to be deferred till further notice, suggests that the government wants to run the committee. This interference is unacceptable.”

A copy of the decisions has been sent to the Governor, Chief Minister, Chairman of the Sikh Judicial Commission, and Chairman of the Gurdwara Election Commission.

Meanwhile, after holding a meeting with committee members, Jhinda said, “An unofficial meeting was held, in which 34 members participated to discuss the issues coming in way of the smooth functioning of the committee.”

“It has been decided that based on the past conduct and record of nominated member Baljit Singh Daduwal, his membership should be terminated. Due to his interference and obstruction in the management of the committee, the house has recommended to the Sikh Judicial Commission and the election commission to terminate Daduwal's membership. Five members of the executive body have also not been cooperating with the committee, hence it has been decided that a new executive body should be constituted,” he added.