SAD releases first list of 64 candidates for SGPC polls

SGPC president Avtar Singh Makkar will contest from Ludhiana whereas Jagir Kaur from Bholath.

The ruling Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) in Punjab Friday released the first list of 64 candidates for September 18 elections to Shiromani Gurudwara Parbhandhak Committee (SGPC),the religious body that manages key Sikh shrines.

The list was released by SAD patron Parkash Singh Badal and party chief Sukhbir Singh Badal,a party spokesman said.

The list contained the names of 28 sitting members of the SGPC,he said.

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SGPC president Avtar Singh Makkar will contest from Ludhiana (west) whereas former SGPC chief Jagir Kaur will be the party candidate from Bholath.

Former minister Gobind Singh Longowal and Randhir Singh Cheema will contest from Longowal and Bassi Pathana constituencies respectively.

Besides,SGPC executive committee member Rajinder Singh Mehta will contest from Amritsar (central).

The election to 170 seats of total 190-member house will be held after a gap of seven years.

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Akalis have been dominating the religious body since its formation in 1925.

According to political pundits,the SGPC elections will allow Akalis to oil their election machinery in each constituency ahead of February next assembly polls.

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