Delay in SGPC polls erosion of Sikh Sangat's democratic right: Randhawa

Chandigarh: Former Punjab deputy chief minister and MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa has expressed serious concern over the non-conduct of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) elections for nearly 15 years and urged central govt to end the prolonged delay and ensure that the elections are held at the earliest. Randhawa said SGPC elections were not merely an electoral exercise but an important matter connected with the faith, devotion and participation of millions of Sikhs in the management of their religious institution. He said the Sikh Sangat must be given a full opportunity to elect its representatives. He said he had specifically raised a question in Parliament why SGPC elections had been delayed for such a long period and by when they would be conducted. In its response, the central govt stated that the Chief Commissioner had been appointed and the process of preparing fresh electoral rolls had been initiated. However, the electoral process has been affected due to petitions pending before the Punjab and Haryana high court. Randhawa said the judicial process must be fully respected, but govt should expedite all preparations and administrative actions that can be undertaken at its level, so that there is no further delay in conducting the elections once the legal impediments are removed. He said, 'The non-conduct of SGPC general elections for the past 15 years is a very serious matter. The Sikh Sangat wants to elect its representatives to manage its religious institution. The central govt must take a clear position on this issue and set a definite timeline for conducting the elections.' The former deputy chief minister said regular elections are essential to ensure democratic representation, transparency and accountability within SGPC. He urged the central govt to respect the ongoing legal process while expediting all other necessary steps, so that the Sikh Sangat can exercise its right to elect its representatives without any further unnecessary delay. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Chandigarh | Silver Rate in Chandigarh | Bank Holidays in Chandigarh | Public Holidays in Chandigarh | Chandigarh AQI | Weather in Chandigarh | Petrol Price in Chandigarh | Diesel Price in Chandigarh | CNG Price in Chandigarh | LPG Price in Chandigarh Stay updated with the latest Chandigarh news. Download the TOI App.