AMRITSAR – The annual election for the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) is poised for a keen contest on Monday, November 4, following the nomination of the incumbent president by the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and the decision by a powerful breakaway faction to field its own candidates.
SAD President Sukhbir Singh Badal officially announced the renomination of Harjinder Singh Dhami as the party’s candidate for the SGPC President’s post. Dhami, who convincingly defeated Bibi Jagir Kaur last year, expressed gratitude to both the Guru Sahib and Sukhbir Badal for reposing faith in his leadership.
The Election Process: The SGPC members will convene at the Teja Singh Samundri Hall, the organization’s headquarters in the Sri Harmandir Sahib complex, to elect the President, Senior Vice-President, Junior Vice-President, General Secretary, and 11 members of the Executive Committee. The election is governed by the Gurdwara Act, 1925, which mandates the annual revamping of the body.
Breakaway Faction Joins the Fray: The election has gained significant political weight with the participation of a breakaway Akali faction. The decision followed a meeting held by former Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh with the faction’s senior leadership and SGPC members. This faction includes two former SGPC Presidents: Bibi Jagir Kaur and Gobind Singh Longowal. The faction has yet to announce its presidential candidate, stating the decision would be made by its SGPC members.
Political Implications: The outcome of the SGPC’s internal election is expected to cast its shadow on the forthcoming Tarn Taran assembly byelection. Furthermore, the election holds high importance as it precedes a series of major programs scheduled to mark the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Teg Bahadur.
Currently, the SGPC House consists of 148 members with voting rights (out of a potential 185), while five Takht Jathedars and the Golden Temple head granthi participate without voting rights.