Sikh high priests have once again deferred the decision on action against Jagdish Singh Jhinda, head of Haryana Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (ad hoc).The decision was earlier deferred to October 1.

It seems this has been done keeping in mind the upcoming Haryana Assembly polls on October 13 and any action against Jhinda may affect the Sikh voters.

“Any decision on the matter would come after the polls in Haryana,” said a panthic observer. Jhinda had been facing charges of violation of Maryada during the forcible control of Chhevi Patshahi Gurdwara in Kurukshetra on September 13. “The matter is serious and needs more probing and discussions,”said Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh deferring the meeting to October 14. He, however, denied any political compulsions saying that they need more time and it was a mere coincidence that the Haryana polls are being held around the same time. Jhinda, who had yesterday flayed the political parties for gaining political mileage out of the incident, is relieved.

“I have already said I would abide by the decision taken by the Sikh high priests. I will come for the next hearing again,” he said.