Freeing SGPC from "grip" of Badal family main target: Dhindsa

Rebel Akali leader Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa on Friday said his main target was to "free" the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the apex religious body of the Sikhs, from the "grip" of former Chief Minister Prakash Singh Badal's family.

Dhindsa, a former Union minister, was addressing the first meeting of "Safar-e-Akali Lehar", a movement kickstarted by him last week.

He plans to hold district level meetings to rope in volunteers and workers for a new group which, according to him, will emerge as the "real Akali Dal".

Former Union minister Balwant Singh Ramoowalia, former president of Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee Manjit Singh GK, SAD (Taksali) leader Sewa Singh Sekhwan were among those who participated in the meeting here.

Addressing the gathering, Dhindsa said his main target was to "free" the SGPC from the "grip" of the Badals.

Dhindsa had recently rebelled against the party leadership, especially its chief Sukhbir, in a bid to "liberate" the SAD from the Badal family and "revive its lost glory".

He had joined hands with SAD splinter groups including SAD (Taksali).

In reply to a question, Dhindsa said supporting the Congress or any type of alliance with the party for next Assembly elections was "out of question". "Congress party has hurt the feelings of the Sikhs on several occasions. Moreover, Congress has betrayed the interests of the Punjab," he alleged.

At the meeting, Ramoowalia lashed out at Akalis, saying even the BJP was having "second thoughts" about continuing the tie-up with them.

SAD decided not to contest the Delhi polls after BJP asked the party to reconsider its stand on the Citizenship Amendment Act. SAD has batted for inclusion of Muslims in the CAA.