Siropa for PM: SGPC debates

Asked about the siropa issue, SGPC functionaries gave a cryptic reply: 8216;8216;The matter will be decided shortly.8217;8217;

But they admitted that the Congress role during Operation Blue Star and the 1984 anti-Sikh riots were coming in the way.

SGPC functionaries also declined comment on whether Chief Minister Amarinder Singh would be allowed to share the stage with the Prime Minister.

Jaswant Singh Mann, president of All India Shiromani Akali Dal and a member of the Celebrations Committee constituted by the state government, said such 8216;8216;petty issues8217;8217; should not be raised.

8216;8216;It is true that such manoeuvring is on. I will appeal to SAD chief Parkash Singh Badal that the SGPC should be allowed to work independently on the issue of honouring the PM as per tradition,8217;8217; he said.

8216;8216;I would also advise the CM that if he is not allowed to share the stage with the PM, he should sit down in the sangat. It will elevate Amarinder8217;s stature,8217;8217; Mann added.

SAD spokesperson Daljit Singh Cheema said it was the SGPC prerogative to decide whom to honour. 8216;8216;The PM is visiting the Golden Temple on the invitation of the SGPC and they should decide on giving him a siropa,8217;8217; he said. He denied that the Akali Dal was interfering in the functioning of the SGPC.