Dissenting leaders to get show-cause notices: SAD

Sacking of jathedars has triggered an uproar with several SAD leaders opposing the decision and a few even tendering their resignations

- Gurpreet Singh Nibber

CHANDIGARH: Faced with escalating crisis over the unceremonious sacking of Akal Takht jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh, the Shiromani Akali Dal on Sunday started a damage-control exercise. The SAD initiated a disciplinary action against party leaders who had opposed the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee's (SGPC) decision. Former ministers Bikram Singh Majithia and Sharanjit Singh Dhillon, former MLA Lakhbir Singh Lodhinangal and five other leaders may soon receive show-cause notices.

The SGPC's Friday move, which also showed the door to Giani Sultan Singh as Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib jathedar, has triggered an uproar in the Akali Dal with several leaders opposing the decision and a few tendering their resignations.

Earlier in the day, Bhundar criticised Majithia and asked him to withdraw his statement criticising the SGPC. "It doesn't behove him to speak like that... he has been a super-CM in the SAD-BJP alliance government, enjoying tremendous powers," said Bhundar.

"The party should stand united in tough times," he said.

According to a party spokesperson, the issue was discussed in a meeting of parliamentary board held in Chandigarh which was attended by Gulzar Singh Ranike, Janmeja Singh Sekhon, Mahesh Inder Singh Grewal, Hira Singh Gabria and Daljit Singh Cheema among others.