DSGMC poll fracas: Akal Takht gets plaints from both groups

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, January 23

Yesterday’s controversy during the process to elect president and office-bearers of the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) has resulted in accusations from both the contesting groups.

Allegations fly thick and fast

• Elections to the posts of president and office-bearers of the DSGMC were marred by ugly scenes on Saturday
• The voting had to be stopped at Rakab Ganj Gurdwara and repeated attempts to arrive at a compromise failed
• Sukhbir Singh Kalra allegedly showed his vote publicly. This was objected Paramjit Sarna and Harvinder Sarna

Cross complaints are being lodged with Akal Takht, the Amritsar-based highest temporal seat of Sikhs.

Shiromani Akali Dal’s Harmeet Singh Kalka, who led his group to a victory amid ugly scenes last night, alleged that opposition faction of Sarna brothers — Paramjit and Harvinder — and Manjit Singh GK committed sacrilege of Guru Granth Sahib at Rakab Ganj Sahib Gurdwara, the venue of the elections.

A complaint has been submitted to Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh, said Kalka.

Manjit Singh GK said a complaint was being lodged with Akal Takht against Kalka and also the SAD on multiple issues. He said it was Kalka and his group who invited the Delhi Police to enter the premises where Guru Granth Sahib had been kept and it was SAD members who committed sacrilege by hurting the Sikh community’s feelings.

Paramjit Singh Sarna, who was contesting against Kalka, said the Badal group was facing a certain defeat and they used the police to wrest control.

Sarna alleged that Amritsar-based SGPC chief Harjinder Singh Dhami, who led the charge in inviting police right into the gurdwara hall. The police manhandled all the DSGMC members, Sarna alleged.

Kalka alleged that polling booths and ballot papers were seized and the entire community was embarrassed by rioting in the presence of Guru Granth Sahib as he blamed Sarna brothers and Manjit Singh GK.

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