•What are the implications for the SGPC if a separate body is formed in Haryana?

Apart from the financial losses, the SGPC’s claim of being the only paramount body of Sikhs will be severely undermined. The SGPC is already fighting for control over gurdwaras in other states of the country and even wants the Centre to help it to get permission for the maintenance of Sikh shrines in Bangladesh, Afghanistan and in Pakistan which already has a separate Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC), formed in 1997.

•Is the SGPC also opposed to a separate Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee?

The ground situation relating to the formation of the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) in 1973 was different. The SGPC and Shiromani Akali Dal had not opposed its creation then. Rather, it had organised a massive agitation in support of its formation as the gurdwaras in the national capital were under the control of local leaders and the government.

•What are the political affiliations of the SGPC and DSGMC?

The SGPC is affiliated closely with the SAD(B) headed by Parkash Singh Badal who chooses its head in the annual general session. One hundred and fifty five of the total 180 members of the SGPC are with the SAD(B). The DSGMC is headed by Paramjit Singh Sarna whose closeness to the Congress is well-known.

•What happens next?

The ensuing parliament elections on their mind, the SAD-controlled-SGPC is organising a show of strength at Karnal on August 30. On the same day, Haryana’s seven SGPC members out of the total 11, having the backing of the Congress, are organising a parallel gathering.