Anti-Badal front to show its mettle in SGPC polls

GS Paul

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, November 22

Ahead of the SGPC’s office-bearers’ election scheduled on November 29, an anti-Badal front has emerged under the leadership of former SGPC general secretary Sukhdev Singh Bhaur, which is all set to challenge the influence of the existing body.

Citing the SGPC’s failure in curbing sacrilege incidents, propagation of dera culture in recent times, flip-flop over pardon to Sirsa dera head and Nanakshahi calendar row, Bhaur, who will head the Panthic Front, today released a letter to all SGPC members asking them to show unity and speak up against politically influenced decisions to bring to an end “further denigration and deterioration of the Sikh institutions”.

“We are responsible for this crisis. The Badals’ influence on the SGPC has resulted in the deterioration of SGPC and Akal Takht’s authority. Both these bodies have failed to deliver their duties independently,” he said.

The Panthic Front claimed to have the support of 22 incumbent SGPC members, seven former members, besides several Sikh organisations.

While Bhaur has been appointed as convener of this front, Gurpreet Singh (Fatehgarh Sahib) and Jathedar Jaswant Singh are spokespersons. A seven-member team was also formed to chalk out the agenda relating to electing new SGPC president and keeping a vigil on the SGPC’s moves. Late SGPC president Gurcharan Singh Tohra’s daughter Kuldeep Kaur is also part of the front.

Dal Khalsa spokesperson Kanwar Pal Singh said though they have just one vote, they would support the front.