Haryana SGPC poll: 8 candidates announced, focus on Sikh issues

The Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (HSGPC) elections are gaining momentum as the committee has announced 8 candidates for various positions. On Friday, Sukhwinder Singh Khalsa shared the details with the media, revealing the names of candidates from different regions of Haryana. The candidates are Gurmej Singh from Sirsa, Angrej Singh (also known as Harjeet Singh) from Rania, Sukhpal Singh from Baragudha, Kuldeep Singh Jogewala from Dabwali, Binder Singh Khalsa from Kalaiwali, Jagtar Singh Mann Mithri from Pipli, Prakash Singh Sahuwala from Chopta, and Karamjeet Singh from Fatehabad. The candidates for Rori and Ellenabad are yet to be announced.

Sukhwinder Singh Khalsa explained that after 15 days of careful selection, these candidates were chosen. Khalsa pointed out that from 2022 to 2024, the BJP Government had appointed representatives to the Gurdwara Parbandhak committee, but they were not in line with Sikh principles. This time, the focus is on selecting candidates who are dedicated to advancing the Sikh community’s interests.

Khalsa also highlighted several key issues faced by the Sikh community and said that the aim was to bring forward candidates who can represent these concerns, particularly in the Parliament. He added that after the nominations, the committee would present its agenda to the public.

In Haryana, the Sikh community has approximately 3 lakh voters, with around 65,000 in Sirsa alone. Efforts are on to ensure all Sikh voters get their voter IDs by January. Khalsa urged the community to ensure their votes are registered.

Malkit Singh Khosa, another member, explained that 40 members will be selected, including 9 from Sirsa and 4 from Fatehabad under the ‘Sarv Sanjha Manch’ platform. He emphasised that the goal was to ensure the Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee functions without political interference.

The committee also expressed concerns about the government's failure to implement promises regarding Punjabi language and Sikh representation in government jobs. Khosa stressed the need for a separate budget for Sikh education and health in Haryana's budget.

Sukhwinder Singh Khalsa and Malkit Singh Khosa were joined by other community members, including Surender Singh Virk and Secretary Sukhdev Singh, at the meeting. The upcoming elections are seen as an important opportunity for the Sikh community in Haryana to strengthen its representation and voice in state policies.