Chandigarh, June 3
Mr Harkesh Singh Sidhu (PCS), Additional Secretary, Public Health, has sought permission from the Punjab Government to contest the coming SGPC elections from his home district of Sangrur. The Chief Secretary, Mr Jai Singh
Gill, has to decide this request by June 7 to enable the officer to file his nomination papers. The last date for filing papers is June 8.
A doctorate in religious studies from Punjabi University, Mr Sidhu stated in the request that he is keen to contest the elections because of his religious leanings and beliefs and that he will not take part in any political activity. Mr Sidhu has stated that he will contest the elections as an independent candidate.
Interestingly, there is no provision in the Punjab Civil Service rules to debar Mr Sidhu from being in the fray. The civil service rules only debar state officials from contesting the elections to the state Assembly and local bodies.
