The ad hoc committee demanding a separate SGPC in Haryana is likely to ignore the November 1 deadline, to decide about the SGPC formation, earlier announced by Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda. The Haryana SGPC members, who met Hooda this morning, agreed to give more time to the government on the issue.

But the committee has decided to call a meeting of its executive members on October 30 to discuss the matter. With assembly elections in Haryana over, and Hooda back in the saddle as the CM, Punjab is keeping a close watch on the developments.

The Hooda-led Congress in Haryana made the issue of separate SGPC a poll plank. Chief Minister Hooda, treading cautiously, said they have sought legal opinion on the issue and were waiting for a response.

Jagdish Singh Jhinda, ad hoc president of the committee, told The Indian Express, “We met the CM today. We’ll give more time to the government but we are firm on our demand for a separate SGPC in Haryana”. The Akali Dal, opposing the move vehemently, even asking Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to intervene, is unwilling to allow the neighbouring state to go ahead with its plans, even if it warrants an open confrontation with the state Congress in Haryana.

Despite the hype created around the demand for separate SGPC in Haryana, its impact during the assembly elections was insignificant. The Akali Dal claims its stand has been vindicated as the party won a seat in Haryana opposing the formation of a separate SGPC.

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