The induction of Jathedar Baljeet Singh Daduwal as a co-opted member of the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (HSGMC) has stirred a political storm, intensifying the tussle for control over the management of 52 historic gurdwaras in the state.
Daduwal questions credibility of leaders
Sirsa: Former HSGMC president Baljeet Singh Daduwal questioned the credibility of those who, according to him, have contributed little to the Sikh community’s struggles but now position themselves as leaders.
Addressing reporters in Kalanwali, Daduwal, without naming anyone, said, “They won elections and now think they are the only voices of the community. He claimed that many such leaders have no real record of activism or sacrifice.”
Daduwal’s comments came after 24 committee members supported his nomination to the HSGMC. He urged the committee to now set aside differences and focus on managing gurdwara affairs with unity and purpose. “Winning elections isn’t everything,” Daduwal said, adding, “Even some Prime Ministers and Chief Ministers have held office despite losing elections.”
– With inputs from Anil Kakkar in Sirsa
Daduwal, who lost the January 19, 2025 HSGMC elections from Kalanwali, was nominated as one of nine co-opted members during a meeting chaired by Justice HS Bhalla (retd), head of the Gurdwara Election Commission, in Panchkula on Sunday. His induction has drawn sharp criticism, especially from the Akal Panthak Morcha faction.
Prakash Singh Sahuwala, a senior leader of the Morcha, alleged government interference in the co-option process. “The government gave backdoor entry to someone who was rejected by the community in the elections,” Sahuwala said. “Out of the nine co-opted members, four were nominated by our group, while five were brought in under government influence,” he claimed.
He further criticised the timing of the co-opting rules. “The government delayed framing the rules until names favourable to them were secured. It was a selective and manipulative process,” he alleged.
Meanwhile, former HSGMC presidents Baljeet Singh Daduwal and Jagdish Singh Jhinda have forged an alliance, claiming the support of 29 members. This includes five of the newly co-opted members, nine from Jhinda’s Panthak Dal, and 15 others, including two from Didar Singh Nalvi’s Sikh Samaj Sanstha.
“We are confident that the office-bearers will emerge from our group,” said Daduwal. “After the oath ceremony on May 13, we will form the executive team.”
On the controversy surrounding his nomination, Daduwal said, “There is a process to co-opt members, and the House has the authority to do so. I was co-opted by HSGMC members, not imposed by the government. I am thankful for their support.”
He also accused certain members of acting on behalf of the Badal faction. “There are some who continue to serve the interests of Badal’s party,” he said.
Jagdish Singh Jhinda echoed Daduwal’s stance, stating, “For the welfare of the Sikh community, I’ve joined hands with Jathedar Daduwal. We want to block any external interference, especially from the Badal faction.”