Political turmoil casts a shadow on SGPC elections, 4 bypolls
Rapid political developments concerning Sikhs may cast a shadow on elections of SGPC president and four bypolls scheduled on October 28 and November 13, respectively.
The spat between former Akali leader Virsa Singh Valtoha and Takht Damdama Sahib Jathedar Giani Hapreet Singh is likely to dent the chances of SAD nominees in both the elections.
The development comes at a time when Akal Takht Jathedar along with heads of four other seats of authority are considering an apology offered by SAD chief Sukhbir Badal for “all the allegations” levelled against him in a complaint given by a rebel group of the party.
Sukhbir was declared tankhaiya (guilty of religious misconduct) by Akal Takht in August. He was found guilty on account of taking decisions that led to “severe depletion of the image of the Sikh community, deterioration of the condition of the SAD and damaging Sikh interests”. According to Akal Takht, these decisions were taken by Sukhbir in his capacity as deputy CM and SAD chief from 2007 to 2017.
Buoyed by these developments, SAD (Sudhar Lehar) announced Jagir Kaur as their candidate for the post of SGPC president. In 2022, Jagir Kaur had unsuccessfully contested against SAD candidate Harjinder Singh Dhami.
Jasbir Singh, an expert on Sikh affairs, said, “The SGPC members will hold back from meeting Sukhbir, fearing ire of Jathedars. It will bolster the chances of Jagir Kaur. Valtoha’s outburst against a sitting Jathedar will also dent prospects of the SAD candidates.” He said AAP and the BJP may also face a lot of heat from Sikh voters in the bypoll.
Widening diplomatic ties between India and Canada over murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar and the US alleging involvement of Indian agents in assassination attempt on pro-Khalistan activist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun would deny the BJP candidates a foothold in the byelections.
Further, cops naming jailed Khadoor Sahib MP Amritpal Singh as one of the accused in murder case of Sikh activist Gurpreet Singh Hari Nau might bring down the vote share of AAP in the byelections.
