In rare instance, apex Sikh body allows protest on day of interview

There is, however, speculation that Thursday’s protest faced no such hurdles as there is a section within the SGPC that is opposed to the creation of the chief secretary post.

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The post has been allegedly created under pressure from Deputy Chief Minister Punjab Sukhbir Singh Badal, who is also president of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), which controls the SGPC.

The protesters sat at the Golden Temple entrance adjacent to the community kitchen even as the SGPC task force made no effort to disrupt them. They were carrying posters with slogans against the proposed appointment of the chief secretary.

“There is no provision for this appointment in the Gurudwara act. There is no need for someone to get paid Rs 3 lakh a month when the SGPC is already doing well. It is a wastage of the money of devotees,” Hazoori Vadala said.

“This protest has the silent backing of the top SGPC political leadership. Apart from that, officials in high posts in the body also do not want a new boss. Otherwise no one would have allowed this protest,” a SAD SGPC member said. The protesters later met Akal Takht Jathedar Gaini Gurbachan Singh and submitted a memorandum on their demands.

Eight candidates turn up

Eight candidates appeared for the interview for newly-created top post in the SGPC . SGPC general secretary Sukhdev Singh Bhaura, interim member Rajinder Singh Chawla and vice-president Raghujit Singh Virk conducted the interview. Three candidates were rejected as they were not baptized Sikhs. Three retired bureaucrats also appeared for the interview. Among the interviewees, the most prominent is ex-bank official Harcharan Singh. Many Sikh bodies have accused the SGPC of designing the criteria for the post in such a manner that it would ensure then selection of Harcharan Singh. He is considered close to Sukhbir Singh Badal.