Delay In Sgpc Elections Is An Erosion Of The Sikh Sangat’s Democratic Right: Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa

Sep8,2026 | Jagrati Lahar Bureau | Chandigarh

Former Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab and Member of Parliament S. Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa has expressed serious concern over the non-conduct of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) elections for nearly 15 years and urged the Central Government to end the prolonged delay and ensure that the elections are conducted at the earliest.

S. Randhawa said that SGPC elections are not merely an electoral exercise; rather, they are an important matter connected with the faith, devotion and participation of millions of Sikhs in the management of their religious institution. The Sikh Sangat must be given a full opportunity to elect its representatives.

He said that he had specifically asked the Central Government in Parliament why the SGPC elections had been delayed for such a long period and by when the elections would be conducted. In its response, the Central Government stated that the Chief Commissioner had been appointed and the process of preparing fresh electoral rolls had been initiated. However, the electoral process has been affected due to petitions pending before the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

S. Randhawa said that the judicial process must be fully respected, but the Government should expedite all preparations and administrative actions that can be undertaken at its level, so that there is no further delay in conducting the elections once the legal impediments are removed.

He said, “The non-conduct of SGPC general elections for the past 15 years is a very serious matter. The Sikh Sangat wants to elect its representatives to manage its religious institution. The Central Government must take a clear position on this issue and set a definite timeline for conducting the elections.”

The former Deputy Chief Minister said that regular elections are essential to ensure democratic representation, transparency and accountability within the SGPC. He urged the Central Government to respect the ongoing legal process while expediting all other necessary steps, so that the Sikh Sangat can exercise its right to elect its representatives without any further unnecessary delay.

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