Explainer: Infighting major challenge for new gurdwara management panel chief

Senior Sikh leader Jagdish Singh Jhinda once again took the charge as the president of the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (HSGMC) last week, following the body’s first formal elections held on January 19. It is his second tenure and earlier he had headed the ad-hoc committee from 2014-2020 constituted by the state government. Jhinda’s election is being seen as a critical moment as the HSGMC is functioning with a democratically elected 40 members and nine co-opted members for the first time. However, the road ahead is not smooth. Amid internal dissent, political allegations and community expectations, Jhinda’s leadership will be tested on multiple fronts.

Who is Jagdish Singh Jhinda and what is his role in the HSGMC?

Jhinda belongs to the Assandh block of Karnal district. He is known for decades-long battle with other prominent leaders, including former senior vice-president of HSGMC Didar Singh Nalvi and others for a separate gurdwara management body in Haryana. He was the first president of the ad-hoc HSGMC and has now been re-elected through the body’s first formal election.

Why was the formation of the HSGMC significant for Haryana Sikhs?

The formation of the HSGMC in July 2014 marked Haryana’s autonomy from the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC). Enacted through the HSGMC Act, 2014 under then Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, it gave Haryana Sikhs independent control over their gurdwaras and its health and educational institutions. An ad-hoc 41-member committee led by Jhinda was formed for the management of Haryana’s gurdwaras and their properties until elections could be held. However, the law was challenged in court by an SGPC-elected member. Meanwhile, Jathedar Baljeet Singh Daduwal was elected as president of the Sikh body in 2020 for a term of two-and-a-half years. In September 2022, the Supreme Court upheld the constitutional validity of the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Act. Following the judgment, the BJP government nominated a 38-member ad-hoc committee, which later appointed Karamjeet Singh of Yamunanagar as its president. Subsequently, Bhupinder Singh Assandh replaced Karamjeet as president, but his tenure was marred by controversies.

What challenges is Jhinda likely to face?

Jhinda is likely to face a combination of administrative and political challenges. One of his major hurdles will be internal opposition from several influential figures within the committee. Additionally, he must address allegations of irregularities during the election process, which have raised concerns about transparency. Another key challenge is managing the diversity of views and interests within the committee, which includes both elected and co-opted members. Ensuring accountability, maintaining unity, and delivering on governance reforms will require careful negotiation and consensus-building.

Was there any controversy surrounding Jhinda’s election?

Jhinda’s election has been marred by controversy. The Akal Panthak Morcha, which is supported by Sikh Panthak Dal, has raised objections on the election process. They have alleged that several members were denied voting rights and that there was lack of transparency and adherence to proper procedures. They also claim that Jhinda’s elevation was influenced by the government pressure and that the announcement of the results compromised the sanctity of Sikh traditions. The group has indicated that it may legally challenge the legitimacy of the election.

Who are the key dissenters opposing Jhinda’s leadership?

Among the most vocal dissenters are Prakash Singh Sahuwala, the leader of the Akal Panthak Morcha and Didar Singh Nalvi, the former senior vice-president of the ad-hoc HSGMC. Additionally, several members aligned with them have also opposed Jhinda’s elevation. They argued that the election lacked transparency and they had expressed reservations about the way in which the new leadership was chosen.

What are Jhinda’s priorities as the president?

As the president of the HSGMC, Jhinda has laid out a clear set of priorities aimed at improving governance and restoring public trust. His main goal is to bring reforms in the gurdwara management by clearly defining and streamlining the responsibilities of staff, managers and committee members. Besides, his goal is to safeguard the gulaks (donation boxes), ensuring that all funds collected are used transparently and appropriately for the community welfare. In a bid to promote accountability, Jhinda has pledged to end the VIP culture by refusing to use official vehicles, fuel, or drivers at the committee’s expense. Additionally, he has emphasised no sewadars would be appointed for opening of gates for the president or members and other office-bearers.

Will Jhinda make efforts to bring all committee members together?

Jhinda has emphasised unity as the priority. He said that efforts would be made to bring together all elected and co-opted members—regardless of political alignment—for the overall welfare of the state’s Sikh institutions.

Why did Jhinda join hands with former rival Baljeet Singh Daduwal?

Despite past differences, Jhinda and former ad-hoc president Baljeet Singh Daduwal have now come together. Jhinda explained that this alliance was necessary to prevent external influences — particularly from Punjab-based SGPC and SAD — from interfering in Haryana’s gurdwara affairs.

Haryana Tribune