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Dhami's Fifth Term: SGPC Leadership Amid Guru Teg Bahadur Anniversary

Harjinder Singh Dhami has been re-elected as SGPC President for an impressive fifth consecutive term. He secured a convincing victory with 117 votes against his opponent's 18 votes. This election holds special significance as it precedes the 350th martyrdom anniversary celebrations of Guru Teg Bahadur. The SGPC also announced its complete leadership team including new vice-presidents and general secretary.

Key Points: Harjinder Singh Dhami Re-elected SGPC President Fifth Time

  • Dhami secured 117 out of 136 votes in decisive fifth-term victory
  • Raghujit Singh Virk elected as senior Vice-President of SGPC committee
  • Election timing coincides with Guru Teg Bahadur's 350th martyrdom anniversary
  • Shiromani Akali Dal maintains dominant influence over Sikh religious body
2 min read

Dhami re-elected SGPC President for the fifth time in row

Harjinder Singh Dhami wins fifth consecutive term as SGPC President with 117 votes, securing leadership ahead of Guru Teg Bahadur's 350th martyrdom anniversary.

"Dhami's re-election assumes significance as it is held just ahead of programmes to mark the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Teg Bahadur. - SGPC Announcement"

Amritsar, Nov 3

Harjinder Singh Dhami was on Monday re-elected the President of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) for the fifth time in a row.

Out of 136 votes, Dhami, who is known for his proximity to Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Badal, secured 117 votes, while his opponent, Mithu Singh Kahneke, received 18 votes. One vote was invalid.

Raghujit Singh Virk was elected as the senior Vice-President, Baldev Singh Kalyan the Junior Vice-President, and Sher Singh Mandwala as the General Secretary.

The SGPC also announced the names of interim committee members, which include 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 assumes significance as it is held just ahead of programmes to mark the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Teg Bahadur.

In the previous round of the election, which is held annually, Dhami secured a convincing win over former ‘dissident’ SGPC President Bibi Jagir Kaur.

At that time, out of 142 votes, Dhami got 107 votes, while Bibi Jagir Kaur secured only 33. Two votes were declared invalid.

Dhami had replaced Bibi Jagir Kaur, who was the SGPC President thrice (in 1999, 2004 and 2020) as the Akali Dal candidate, as the Sikh body chief in 2021-2022, and his tenure largely remained non-controversial.

Born on August 28, 1956, Dhami is from the Doaba region. He has been the SGPC member from the Sham Chaurasi segment since 1996.

The Shiromani Akali Dal is perceived as dominating the SGPC, the "mini parliament" of the religion.

As per the Gurdwara Act of 1925, the SGPC body has to be revamped every year by electing its President, Senior Vice-President, Junior Vice-President, General Secretary and a 15-member executive body.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While I respect the democratic process, I'm concerned about the lack of fresh leadership. Five consecutive terms? Maybe it's time for new perspectives in SGPC governance.
P
Priya S
The margin of victory is quite significant - 117 out of 136 votes! This shows strong support from the committee members. Hope this stability helps in better management of gurdwara affairs across Punjab and beyond.
M
Michael C
Interesting to see how religious institutions function in India. The annual election process seems quite democratic. Hope the leadership focuses on community welfare and modernization of religious institutions.
A
Anjali F
Good to see continuity in leadership, especially with the important 350th martyrdom anniversary coming up. Dhami ji's experience will be valuable for organizing such significant events properly.
S
Sarah B
The mention of Akali Dal's influence in SGPC elections is noteworthy. Religious institutions should ideally remain above party politics to serve all community members equally.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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