Manjit Singh takes over as new Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Managing Committee president

Jalandhar,Punjab:  Almost 31 years after his father Jathedar Santokh Singh was president of Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Managing Committee (DSGMC), Manjit Singh G K on Tuesday took over as DSGMC head, ending 11 years of control over the religious body by Sarna brothers.

Ironically, his father had become president in 1981 by ending Shiromani Akali Dal’s (SAD) control over DSGMC, a party Manjit Singh has brought back to power. Jathedar Santokh Singh, who continued to have love-hate relationship with Punjab-based Akali leaders, remained the main and dominating player in Sikh politics of Delhi for around two decades and would often adapt a political line at variance from Akali Dal. Santokh Singh could remain at the post only for a few months as he was killed by a fellow DSGMC member Pritam Singh Sandhu. Manjit Singh had formed his own outfit but later merged it with SAD (Badal) in 2008 and was made president of Delhi unit of the party.

On the other hand, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, who is the new general secretary of DSGMC, has been a even greater success story in gurdwara and Akali politics.

Though he was made president of Delhi unit of Youth Akali Dal, his was an almost unheard name till a year back in Akali circles of Punjab. In socialite circles of Delhi, he has been better known for his affluence and according to details submitted by him in 2008 assembly election his net worth were around Rs 100 crore.

He is a first-time member of DSGMC. Though apparently a novice in SAD or DSGMC affairs, he shot to fame after defeating outgoing DSGMC president Paramjit Singh Sarna. His wife is a member of Delhi municipal corporation on BJP ticket.

He had contested the last assembly election on BJP ticket from SAD quota but lost.

Source: TTN