Former Punjab IAS KBS Sidhu Criticizes SGPC and Akali Dal Over Electoral Roll Issue
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, January 23, 2025:
Former Punjab IAS officer KBS Sidhu has taken to social media to criticize the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) for their delayed response to the issue of SGPC electoral rolls. In a tweet, Sidhu stated that both organizations "suddenly woke up" to the matter, despite his efforts to highlight it back in July. At the time, he claimed, they were consumed by internal disputes.
Sidhu pointed out that the current truncated electorate—excluding male Sikh voters who have trimmed their hair or beard—poses a significant challenge for the SGPC and SAD to maintain their control. He accused them of using the delay to their advantage, allowing them to retain their hold on the SGPC, which he referred to as the “mini-Parliament of the Sikhs.” Notably, the last general house election for the SGPC was held in 2011.
With the extended deadline for addressing electoral roll issues approaching, Sidhu hinted at the possibility of further political maneuvering. “Interesting days lie ahead,” he concluded, raising questions about the future of the SGPC’s leadership and governance.
Both the SGPC and Shiromani Akali Dal have suddenly woken up to the issue of the SGPC electoral rolls. I had flagged this matter back in July, but at that time, they were preoccupied with their own internal squabbles— and still continue to do so.
Now, with the extended deadline… https://t.co/hrWQAk0WPy
— KBS Sidhu, ex-IAS ?? (@kbssidhu1961) January 23, 2025