Jhinda calls Sikh convention in Karnal on Feb 1

Ahead of the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee’s (HSGMC) first House meeting on February 2 in Panchkula to co-opt nine new members, former HSGMC (ad hoc) president and Panthak Dal (Jhinda) leader Jagdish Singh Jhinda has announced a Sikh convention in Karnal on February 1 to seek community suggestions for the future course of action.

The way forward…

- Regarding the potential nomination of former ad hoc committee president Baljeet Singh Daduwal as a member, Jhinda said, “It is up to the elected house to decide his role. I have no personal opinion on this.”

- After the nomination of nine new members, the House’s strength will increase to 49, sources said. The oath-taking ceremony for the members will follow, although the date is yet to be announced. These 49 members will then elect office-bearers to lead the HSGMC forward

The HSGMC held its historic first elections on January 19, resulting in 40 elected members. However, no Sikh organisation secured a majority. According to the Haryana Gurdwara Election Commission, the elected members include 22 Independents, nine from Jhinda’s Panthak Dal, six from the Akali Dal (SAD)-affiliated Haryana Sikh Panthak Dal, and three from the Sikh Samaj Sanstha, led by Didar Singh Nalvi, former senior vice-president of the ad hoc committee.

Jhinda emphasised the need for collective decision-making, stating, “The community members have several questions — who will be the first president of the first elected committee and who will lead the movement forward. To address these concerns, we have called for a Sikh convention at Dera Kar Sewa Gurdwara in Karnal on February 1. We will seek suggestions from the community members, as no Sikh organisation has received a clear mandate in these elections.”

Jhinda urged Sikhs across Haryana to attend the convention and share their input. “We want the community members to decide our next step. Whether we continue this struggle or take up any management responsibility, the decision will be taken by the community members. A desk will also be established to collect suggestions. I assure you that my organisation and I will stand wherever the community directs us,” he said while addressing the media at Dera Kar Sewa in Karnal on Tuesday.

Reflecting on his 22-year-long fight for the formation of the HSGMC, Jhinda reiterated his commitment to the cause. “In these two decades, I have neither sold out nor bowed down. Today, with the formation of the HSGMC, there is no mark on my name. The Sangat’s decision on February 1 will be final, but I urge everyone to participate in this gathering.”

Jhinda expressed gratitude to Didar Singh Nalvi, who offered support to Panthak Dal (Jhinda) in forming office-bearers. When questioned about his recent meeting with former Chief Minister and Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, Jhinda declined to comment directly. “He is a senior leader of the country. If you want to ask anything, you should ask him,” he said.