Maharashtra’s U-turn on Nanded board Act after SGPC protest

GS Paul

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, January 23

The SGPC has opposed the proposed move of the BJP-led Maharashtra government to establish its control over the Takht Sri Hazur Sahib management.

It has been learnt that the Maharashtra government was inclined to increase its representation in the management by amending the Section 11 of the Takht Sri Hazur Abchalnagar Sahib Board Nanded Act, 1956.

The SGPC has approached Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to scrap the move of making any amendment to the Act as it has invited the ire of the Sikh community all over the globe.

On the other hand, reports emerged that following the outcry by the Sikh community and various organisations, the Maharashtra government has taken a U-turn on its move.

Union minister thanks Maha CM 

Union minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal on Wednesday thanked Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis for responding to her request positively and announcing that the Maharastra government would not push for amending to the Sri Hazoor Sahib Management Act, 1956, keeping in view the sentiments of the Sikh community on this issue.

Tweets by Harsimrat, Fadnavis 

• Union minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal: “I request @Dev_Fadnavis ji to review amendment of Section 11 of Sri Hazoor Sahib Mgt Act, 1956 giving govt power to appoint Chairman of its Mgt Board. This should be left to 17 member committee as before. Sikh community should be allowed to run its affairs without govt interference”.
• Maharastra CM Devendra Fadnavis: @HarsimratBadal_ ji After wider consultation govt decided not to push the said amendment in the Winter Session. The notice of motion has also been allowed to lapse. Pls don’t believe the rumours. @BJP4India always stood firm with the sentiments of the community.