HSGMC elections: Jhinda, Nalvi groups face off across Haryana

With the withdrawal of nominations complete, 29 candidates are left in the fray for the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (HSGMC) elections, scheduled for January 19. Candidates across Karnal and Kaithal districts have intensified their campaigns, focusing on key issues like gurdwara management, education and financial transparency.

In Karnal district, 17 candidates are contesting from four wards: three from Nilokheri, six from Nissing, four from Assandh and four from Karnal. Meanwhile, Kaithal district has 12 candidates vying for three wards: five from Guhla, three from Kangthali and four from Kaithal.

Former HSGMC (ad hoc) president Jagdish Singh Jhinda is contesting from Assandh, representing the Panthak Dal – Jhinda Group. "We are contesting in all 40 wards, either on our group’s symbol or by supporting Independent candidates. After decades of struggle, we won legal recognition for the HSGMC Act, 2014, in 2022. We are confident of a strong victory," said Jhinda.

Similarly, Didar Singh Nalvi, founder president of Sikh Samaj Sanstha, said his organisation is contesting in 31 wards statewide. "We fought tirelessly for the HSGMC’s establishment and legal validity. Now, we seek a clear mandate from the Sikh community to continue our work. I urge voters to reject candidates aligned with the government-appointed committee," said Nalvi, who is contesting from Shahabad in Kurukshetra.

Karnal SDM Anubhav Mehta announced that voting will be held on January 19 from 8 am to 5 pm, with vote counting and results declaration on the same day.