Power struggle in gurdwara panel: Three senior leaders join forces to gain control

In a dramatic turn of events, three prominent Sikh leaders in Haryana have joined forces to take control of the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (HSGMC) after contesting the recent elections on different symbols.

Jagdish Singh Jhinda, head of Panthak Dal (Jhinda) and former HSGMC (ad hoc) president, Didar Singh Nalvi, president of Sikh Samaj Sanstha and former senior vice-president of the ad hoc committee, and Baljeet Singh Daduwal, former ad hoc committee president, held two secret meetings on February 9 and 11 in Panchkula. Their objective: securing the support of Independent members to gain a majority and take charge of HSGMC affairs.

The first-ever HSGMC elections on January 19 resulted in a fractured mandate, with no single faction securing a majority. The committee comprises 22 Independent members, nine from Panthak Dal (Jhinda), six from the SAD-affiliated Haryana Sikh Panthak Dal and three from Sikh Samaj Sanstha.

To strengthen its position, 19 Independent members formed the Akal Panthak Morcha, which has secured the support of six members from Sikh Panthak Dal, bringing its total strength to 25.

Jhinda and Nalvi won their respective seats, while Daduwal lost. Before the elections, Daduwal attempted to register a group called Shiromani Akali Dal (Azad), but its registration was denied due to its resemblance to a political party’s name, which is restricted under the Act.

Confirming their meetings, the trio expressed a commitment to working together for the welfare of the Sikh community.

"I have no issues joining hands with anyone if it is for the betterment of the community and to ensure effective management of HSGMC," said Jhinda.

Nalvi echoed similar sentiments: “For me, the community’s welfare is the top priority. On the day of the election results, I had already offered my group’s support to Jhinda. I also met Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini twice to discuss the election outcome.”

Daduwal emphasised their mission to prevent those who opposed their cause from taking control: “The Sikhs of Haryana fought for over two decades to get a separate committee. We have now set aside our differences and held two meetings. We have enough members to form the committee’s body.”

On the other hand, Independent Akal Panthak Morcha claims it has sufficient numbers to take control. Prakash Singh Sahuwal, an Independent member from Nathusari Chopta, said: “We have the numbers and will participate in co-opting the maximum additional members.”

Baldev Singh, president of Haryana Sikh Panthak Dal, confirmed his group’s support for the 19-member Akal Panthak Morcha, saying they are in a strong position to manage HSGMC’s affairs.

After a postponement from February 2, the first meeting of newly elected HSGMC members is now scheduled for February 14 in Panchkula.

Justice (retd) HS Bhalla, Commissioner of Haryana Gurdwara Election, said the 40 elected members will co-opt nine additional members, bringing the total House strength to 49.

The co-opted members will include two Sikh women, three from Scheduled Caste and Backward Class categories, two Sikh intellectuals and two presidents of registered Singh Sabhas in Haryana.

These members will have voting rights in the election of office- bearers for the executive board.