SAD, rebel faction vie for SGPC leadership ahead of October 28 polls

With the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) presidential election looming on October 28, tensions are high as two political factions—Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal) and its splinter group, SAD Sudhar Lehar—compete for control. The election promises a tight contest between current SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami, representing SAD (B), and former three-term SGPC chief Bibi Jagir Kaur, the leader of SAD Sudhar Lehar.

Kaur criticised SAD (B) for abruptly rescheduling a meeting meant to gather support among SGPC members, accusing the group of lacking confidence in its numbers. She claims to have garnered support from approximately 125 members, aiming to secure votes in favour of her leadership.

Her pitch to SGPC members centres around restoring the independent authority of Sikh institutions and leaders, such as the Jathedars of the five Takhts, promising reforms to prevent external political influence. Kaur’s campaign focuses on enhancing facilities for devotees, digitising SGPC’s land records, and launching a renewed push for Sikh religious outreach through initiatives like the Dharam Prachar Lehar.

Bibi Jagir Kaur’s candidacy is backed by her reputation as a decisive leader unafraid to make tough calls. Having joined the SAD in 1995, she quickly rose through the ranks, becoming an MLA in 1997 and later serving three terms as SGPC president. Kaur has pledged to work for the autonomy of the committee, framing her campaign as a movement to preserve Sikh values and traditions.

On the other side, Dhami, the incumbent, seeks re-election based on his past achievements, including initiatives like adding the portraits of Sikh martyrs at the Central Sikh Museum in the Golden Temple. Dhami’s camp contends that SAD (B) will secure a substantial majority in the election. He alleges that “anti-Panthic” forces, including the BJP and RSS, are using financial inducements to influence SGPC members and undermine SAD’s influence over Sikh institutions. Dhami argues these forces aim to take control of Sikh bodies and institutions built on the sacrifices of Sikh followers.

In his appeal for unity, Dhami urges the Khalsa Panth to rally against what he describes as “nefarious designs” aimed at dismantling Sikh institutional independence. He claims that various Sikh bodies, such as Takht Patna Sahib and Hazur Sahib, are already under external influence through government intervention, calling on the SGPC to resist further encroachment.

In recent SGPC elections, Dhami secured 104 votes to Kaur’s 45 in 2022 and achieved a similar margin in 2023. As the election draws near, both camps remain confident in their ability to secure the presidency. With a focus on autonomy, preservation of tradition, and calls for unity, the October 28 election will serve as a litmus test for the direction of the SGPC amid mounting political pressures.