SAD asks Dhami-led Takht panel to supervise membership drive

Earlier, the SAD was not keen to allow Takht panel to take over party functioning, fearing de-recognition by the poll panel

- Gurpreet Singh Nibber

CHANDIGARH: The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) working committee on Friday asked Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami to start meetings of the seven-member committee constituted by the Akal Takht to supervise the party's membership drive, which is already underway since January 20.

The working committee also asked Dhami, who was made the head of the panel for the party's re-organisation by Takht, to include new members in the committee in case he feels the need.

Confirming the development party spokesperson Daljit Singh Cheema said: "The party has given all rights to (SGPC chief) Dhami to take decisions and take forward the work of supervising the membership drive."

It needs mention that SAD, earlier, was not keen to allowing the Akal Takht panel to take over party functioning fearing that working under the direction of a committee constituted by the religious body might lead to de-recognition of the party by the Election Commission of India.