Chief Khalsa Diwan gears up to elect office-bearers on Feb 18

GS Paul

Amritsar, February 8

The countdown has begun for general elections of the Chief Khalsa Diwan (CKD), the 120-year-old Sikh body. The voting is scheduled to take place on February 18.

The final list of candidates was announced today after scrutiny of nominations by — Jaspal Singh, Prof Sukhbir Singh and Inderjit Singh Arhi — the three returning officers.

Of the two factions, one is led by Dr Inderbir Singh Nijjar, the incumbent president and Amritsar South AAP MLA, and the other by Surinderjit Singh Pall, a retired revenue official. Dr Nijjar’s group has been allotted ‘Nagara’ as the election symbol whereas Surinderjit’s team has been given ‘Khanda’.

Dr Nijjar is fighting for a second term for the post of president and banking on his achievements and the progress made by the CKD under his leadership, especially in the field of education and social welfare. “We are ardent followers of the founder Bhai Vir Singh’s vision. The CKD has achieved remarkable results, be it in the field of academics or social welfare. Our intentions are clear and transparent and devoid of any vested interest,” said Dr Nijjar, while adding that around 400 members were expected to cast their vote during the CKD polls.

Challenging him, Surinderjit, under the banner of “CKD Bachao Front”, threw his hat in the ring for the coveted post. He claims to have the backing of older and experienced CKD members. “The corruption, ill-conceived policies and dictatorial attitude of the existing management would prove detrimental for them this time. Several members have been expelled due to their autocratic manner. This has created gross resentment among members,” he said.

Surinderjit also pointed out that there was resentmend among members as no returning officer from the opposition group was appointed by the management of the CKD.

Meanwhile, from Dr Nijjar’s group, others in the fray are Santokh Singh Sethi and Jagjit Singh for the two posts of vice-presidents. Similarly, Sukhwinder Singh Kadhunangal and Ajit Singh Basra are contesting for the two posts of honorary secretary and Kuljit Singh Sahni for resident president.

From Surinderjit’s side, Sarbjit Singh and Amarjit Singh Banga have been fielded for the two posts of vice-presidents and Dr Jaswinder Singh Dhillon and Ramneek Singh for the two posts of honorary secretary. Sukhdev Singh Mattewal will be the candidate for resident president’s post.

The CKD runs over 50 educational institutes, besides other human welfare institutions such as orphanages, old-age homes and health centres. There are around 500 members in the organisation. The election of office-bearers is held after every five years. During the by-election held in 2022, a total of 329 members cast their vote.