SAD Badal, SAD (Delhi) to cross swords in CP ward

Prateek Chauhan

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, February 21

In Connaught Place, one of the biggest wards of the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC), the fight is mainly between the Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal) and the Shiromani Akali Dal (Delhi) led by the Sarna brothers. The presence of the Panthic Seva Dal, a new party in the fray, is not much in the ward.

Amarjeet Singh (Pinkii) is contesting on SAD (Badal) ticket, Prabjeet Singh (Jeeti) is of SAD (Delhi) and Panthic Seva Dal has fielded Amreek Singh in Connaught Place.

The ward has more than 8,000 voters from Chandni Chowk to Karbala near Lodhi Colony. Four historic Gurdwaras--Sis Ganj Sahib, Mata Sundri, Gurudwara Rakab Ganj and Bangla Sahib are located in this ward.

Speaking to The Tribune, Trilochan Singh, vice-chairmen of Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib said, “In this ward, the contest is just between Amarjeet Singh (Pinkii) and Prabjeet Singh (Jeeti). Amarjeet Singh has won the seat for last three elections. He has done a lot of development work in these gurdwaras. He has a good image in the electorate.”

Amarjeet Singh said, “We have done just ‘seva’ and people know what we have done for them. We have also been giving Rs 51,000 for girl marriage to every staff member. Yes, parking is an issue because of space constraints which I am looking into. In my constituency, I have historical gurdwaras and have made sure that the sanctity of these religious places is maintained. In four gurdwaras, the footfall of devotees is not less than 60,000 every day. Managing such a large number of devotees is not child’s play. Our organisation has whole-heartedly worked for people and they will reward us for this.”       

Prabjeet Singh (Jeeti) is raising the Guru Harkrishan Hospital issue, education, cancellation of admission in polytechnic institute, parking of Bangla Sahib Gurdwara and misuse of money donated by people in Gurdwaras.

He said, “I hope to win the seat as people are now fed up with SAD (Badal). If the people vote for us, they will certainly see a big change in DSGMC.”

On the other hand, the Panthic Seva Dal (regd) candidate Amreek Singh said, “Our main focus is on eradicating corruption in the DSGMC administration. If we are elected, we will make sure that economic weaker section in the community gets their due. The ruling party in the DSGMC, the Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal) has ignored the EWS people.”