Manjit Singh GK back in DSGMC office, Manjinder Singh Sirsa leaves

JALANDHAR: Fresh trouble seems to be brewing in the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD)-controlled Delhi Sikh Gurudwara Management Committee (DSGMC) with its general secretary Manjinder Singh Sirsa handing over his charge to secretary Amarjeet Singh Fateh. It is learnt that Sirsa left his charge on October 23, as DSGMC president Manjit Singh GK resumed office after a gap of over two weeks.
Sirsa refused to give any more information except to say that he had handed over the charge to joint secretary Fateh due to personal engagements.


However, after leaving the charge, Sirsa did not leave Delhi. On Thursday as well he was in Delhi attending public functions. Sources in SAD revealed that problem had been brewing between GK and Sirsa for quite some time and that the turf war was now reaching a the flash point.

Sources said while differences were there on quite a few issues, suspension of DSGMC general manager Ranjit Singh Subedar by Sirsa and his reinstatement was the latest issue, which precipitated the situation. Subedar has been facing serious allegations from DSGMC quarters as well as from opposition.

Sirsa, apparently, had talked to the SAD president, Sukhbir Singh Badal, about his issues. Sources said that GK also gave his side to Badal on Thursday. When asked, GK denied any turf war between him and Sirsa.

The infighting in DSGMC is the latest headache for Badal who has already been facing a lot of trouble in Punjab, including string dissent from some senior Akali leaders.

In the first week of October, GK had given his charge to senior vice-president Harmeet Singh Kalka. While he claimed that it was routine, as he was out of Delhi, this led to rumours of his resignation which he debunked.

However, he had said SAD needed to take corrective measures and restore credibility of the Sikh institutions, especially Akal Takht. He had also admitted to crisis within the party and advocated rethinking.

Both GK and Sirsa owe loyalty to the party and SAD president but common perception is that Sirsa is Badals’ man in DSGMC. Among Delhi’s Akali leaders, he enjoys their confidence more than any other party member. GK is president of Delhi unit of SAD, Sirsa is the general secretary.