Cong MLA seeks Sukhbir’s apology for convening meeting of SGPC members
Monday, 12/10/2015
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CHANDIGARH: Punjab Congress MLA Sukhjinder Randhawa on Sunday questioned Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief Sukhbir Singh Badal’s move of holding the meeting of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) members at his residence.
Demanding Sukhbir’s apology, Randhawa asked him to explain as to under which capacity he was “interfering in the Sikh religious affairs”.
The Congressman said the SGPC was an institution that represented all Sikhs of different political and social alignments; so Sukhbir had no right to call a meeting of the SGPC members.
“The SGPC does not represent the SAD, but it represents Sikhs in general,” he said.
The Congress legislator said the meeting of 110 SGPC members out of 190 reportedly presided over by Sukhbir was “an interference of the state in the Sikh religious affairs”.
“Neither Sukhbir is an ‘amritdhari’ (baptized) Sikh, nor is he an SGPC member. Under which capacity is he calling the meeting of SGPC members? Why is he asking the SGPC members to highlight the aspects that suit the Akali vote bank?,” Randhawa said.
“The SGPC is not meant for serving the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) political purposes but has been formed to propagate Sikhism,” Randhawa further said.
He asked Sukhbir to apologise before Sikh sangat for using the SGPC for political purposes.
