Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal on Friday held a half-an-hour long discussion with the Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the issue of Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (HSGMC).
He apprised the Prime Minister that Haryana Government’s move to create a separate body to manage Sikh shrines in the State was “unconstitutional and unacceptable”.
It has been learnt that the Chief Minister has clarified to Modi that the khalsa panth will not tolerate any political interference in its religious issues. Besides, he reportedly appealed the Prime Minister to ask the Haryana Government to take a step back in every situation. Modi has also learnt to have assured Badal all possible assistance by the Central Government.
“I met the Prime Minister on Friday over the issue of bifurcation of the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC). Haryana Government has made separate community which is unconstitutional. We cannot accept it,” said Badal.
“Haryana Sikhs are our brothers, and this is the third factor against Sikhs, and is also a major issue. We will not accept it as we love our Gurdwaras more than anything. let’s see what Central Government will do. But they will have to find a way,” added Badal.The Haryana Assembly, only last week, passed a Bill for a separate Haryana Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (HSGPC), which would be set up to manage gurdwaras in the State.
Badal, later, also met Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Union Finance Minster Arun Jaitley over the issue. Union Home Secretary has shot off a communiqué to the Haryana Chief Secretary on Friday seeking withdrawal of the Governor’s assent to the controversial Bill.