Gurdwara panel to co-opt members today
A day before the first meeting of the newly formed the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (HSGMC) to co-opt nine additional members on February 2 in Panchkula, former president of the HSGMC (ad hoc) committee and leader of Panthak Dal (Jhinda), Jagdish Singh Jhinda, reaffirmed his commitment to serve the gurdwaras without the support of members with the background of the SAD or INLD.
He said they had struggled for nearly two decades to take charge from those who had been managing the state's gurdwaras, and, therefore, would not seek support from them.
“The Sikh community has shown faith in us to take on the responsibility to lead, and we are dedicated to serve the gurdwaras. Although we did not secure a majority, we will appoint the office-bearers of the body with the support of other members, excluding those affiliated with the SAD or the INLD," said Jhinda after a state-level meeting at Dera Kar Sewa in Karnal on Saturday.
The first-ever HSGMC elections, held on January 19, resulted in a fractured mandate, with no single group achieving a majority. The 40 elected members comprise 22 independents, nine from Panthak Dal (Jhinda), six from the SAD affiliated Haryana Sikh Panthak Dal, and three from the Sikh Samaj Sanstha led by former senior vice-president of the ad-hoc committee, Didar Singh Nalvi.
A majority of the independent members have already formed a new organisation named Akal Panthak Morcha, with six members of the Haryana Sikh Panthak Dal already extending their support to this morcha.
Jhinda called the meeting in Karnal to gather suggestions from community members. A large number of people across the state gave suggestions, including nine members from the Jhinda group and one independent participant. Nalvi had previously indicated support for Jhinda following the January 19 results.
The house will elect nine additional members tomorrow, expanding the committee to 49 members. The date for the oath-taking ceremony will be announced later, after which the appointment of the office-bearers will take place.
