Badal scores over Sarna before DSGMC elections

Four members of Shiromani Akali Dal (Delhi) switch loyalties

In a major blow to Shiromani Akali Dal Delhi and its chief Paramjit Singh Sarna, (Delhi) Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee general secretary Gurmeet Singh Shanty and three other members joined the rival Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal) in presence of Punjab deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal on Thursday.

The elections for the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) are scheduled for January 27 and SAD (Badal) is pitched in close battle with SAD (Delhi).

With Shanty having good following in Delhi’s Sikh community, his changing of camp is likely to cause severe damage to SAD (Delhi) chances. 

DSGMC members Inderjit Singh Monty, Gurmeet Singh Meeta and Rajinder Singh Gandhi have also joined Badal camp.  Besides, two prominent members of Sarna group – Rawail Singh and Surinder Pal Singh Oberio also joined Badal.

Two senior DSGMC members - Vashinder Singh and Tejpal Singh – were also present at Badal’s home on the occasion and are expected to join him in next few days.

The difference between Sarna and Shanty became public last month when the latter had invited SAD (Badal) Delhi chief Manjit Singh (GK) to attend a DSGMC meeting called by Sarna to discuss various projects launched by the Gurdwara committee.

However, before the meeting could take place, Manjit Singh (GK) was allegedly attack by Sarna’s task force injuring him and leading to his hospitalisation.

Addressing a press conference on the occasion, Sukhbir Singh Badal alleged that all the goons from Punjab had been hired by Sarna in Delhi under the garb of task force which he uses to attack people.

“Manjit Singh (GK) was attacked by Sarna’s task force after tacit understanding with the Delhi government. We are in direct fight with the Congress government here but will leave no stone unturned to oust the present corrupt Gurdwara committee led by Sarna,” said Badal while welcoming the new entrants to the party.

He further said Shanty and his group will help the party immensely and Sarna’s days as head of DSGPC are numbered now.