A file photo of Giani Balwant Singh Nandgarh
CHANDIGARH, Punjab (September 8, 2015)—For the upcoming Punjab assembly elections-2017, several Panthik organizations are set to give their reins to the former Takht Sri Damdama Sahib Jathedar Giani Balwant Singh Nandgarh. Such indications were given by the leaders of these bodies in a seminar held on Monday in Baba Makhan Shah Lubana Hall on “Revival of Panthik Politics”.
Mainly, representatives of Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar), Shiromani Akali Dal (1920), Dal Khalsa, Sant Samaj, United Akali Dal, Shiromani Akali Dal (Sutantar), Akhand Kirtani Jatha, Shiromani Akali Dal (Delhi), Kendri Sri Guru Singh Sabha, and others were present at the meeting where this decision was taken.
Addressing the seminar, Jathedar Nandgarh said circumstances of Punjab no longer remain favourable to the Sikhs and general public and malpractices are ruling here. United Akali Dal convener Bhai Mohkam Singh agreed to form coordination council. DGP (Jails) Shashi Kant (retd) emphasized to launch another Gurdwara Sudhar Lehar.
Noted Sikh historian Dr. Gurdarshan Singh Dhillon opined that all the Panthik groups should come on single platform discarding selfishness. SAD (A) president Simranjit Singh Mann said that any decision of forming common council of all the groups and giving reins to anyone would be acceptable to his party. Baba Manmohan Singh Baran also suggested to give command of the council to any suitable leader.
Gurinderpal Singh Dhanaula apparently said that the command should be given to Jathedar Nandgarh. Gurpreet Singh, RP Singh and Satnam Singh Paunta Sahib also gave such indications.
Some speakers including spokesperson of SAD (Delhi), criticized role of Akal Takht Sahib appointed Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh.
Altogether, many of the speakers talked about the need of a single effective leader who fill leadership vacuum in Panthik circles.