Is Harjinder Singh Dhami Re-elected as SGPC President for the Fifth Time?
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Synopsis
On November 3, Harjinder Singh Dhami was re-elected as the SGPC President for an unprecedented fifth term. This election holds significant importance as it precedes the upcoming commemorative events for Guru Teg Bahadur's martyrdom anniversary, highlighting the continued influence of the Shiromani Akali Dal on Sikh leadership.
Key Takeaways
- Dhami's re-election reinforces leadership continuity.
- The election precedes significant religious events.
- Strong backing from SGPC members.
- New committee members appointed alongside Dhami.
- Annual elections mandated by law.
Amritsar, Nov 3 (NationPress) Harjinder Singh Dhami was re-elected as the President of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) for the fifth consecutive term on Monday. Out of a total of 136 votes, Dhami, closely associated with Sukhbir Badal, garnered 117 votes, while his rival, Mithu Singh Kahneke, managed only 18 votes, with one vote deemed invalid.
Raghujit Singh Virk has been appointed as the Senior Vice-President, Baldev Singh Kalyan as the Junior Vice-President, and Sher Singh Mandwala as the General Secretary.
The SGPC also revealed the names of interim committee members, including Surjit Singh Garhi, Surjit Singh Tugalwala, Surjit Singh Kang, Gurpreet Singh Jhabbar, Diljeet Singh Bhindar, Harjinder Kaur, Baldev Singh Kaimpuri, Major Singh Dhillon, Mangwinder Singh Khaparkhedi, Jungbahadur Singh Rai, and Kahneke.
Dhami's re-election is particularly noteworthy as it precedes the events commemorating the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Teg Bahadur.
In the last election, held annually, Dhami secured a decisive victory over former SGPC President Bibi Jagir Kaur.
At that time, he received 107 votes out of 142, while Bibi Jagir Kaur obtained just 33 votes, with two votes declared invalid.
Dhami succeeded Bibi Jagir Kaur, who previously held the SGPC Presidency three times (in 1999, 2004, and 2020) as the Akali Dal's candidate, taking over as the Sikh body chief in 2021-2022, with his term being largely uncontroversial.
Born on August 28, 1956, in the Doaba region, Dhami has been a member of the SGPC from the Sham Chaurasi segment since 1996.
The Shiromani Akali Dal is considered the dominant force within the SGPC, which serves as the 'mini parliament' of the Sikh faith.
According to the Gurdwara Act of 1925, the SGPC is required to reorganize annually by electing its President, Senior Vice-President, Junior Vice-President, General Secretary, and a 15-member executive body.
Point of View
I believe Harjinder Singh Dhami's re-election reflects the ongoing dynamics within the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee and its relationship with the Shiromani Akali Dal. This outcome not only emphasizes the trust placed in Dhami by the members but also raises questions about the future direction of Sikh leadership at a critical juncture.
NationPress
03/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Dhami's re-election?
Dhami's re-election is significant as it occurs just before the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Teg Bahadur, highlighting his leadership role during important religious observances.
How many votes did Dhami secure in this election?
In the latest election, Dhami secured 117 out of 136 votes, demonstrating strong support.
Who were Dhami's opponents in the election?
Dhami's main opponent was Mithu Singh Kahneke, who received 18 votes.
What positions were announced alongside Dhami's re-election?
Raghujit Singh Virk was elected Senior Vice-President, Baldev Singh Kalyan as Junior Vice-President, and Sher Singh Mandwala as General Secretary.
How often does the SGPC hold elections?
The SGPC elections are held annually, as mandated by the Gurdwara Act of 1925.
