Amritsar, Aug 9: Senior Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) employee Bibi Satwant Kaur is poised to become the new chief of the breakaway Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) faction after former Akal Takht acting jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh announced he would not contest for the position.
The Akal Takht-appointed panel, tasked under a December 2 decree to restructure the SAD, has scheduled its delegate session to elect the new president and office bearers on August 11.
Kaur, currently serving in a senior role in the SGPC’s education wing, has deep panthic roots. She is the granddaughter of former Damdami Taksal chief Kartar Singh Bhindranwale and daughter of Bhai Amrik Singh, the late president of the All India Sikh Students Federation (AISSF) who was killed during Operation Bluestar. Known for her oratory skills and command over panthic politics, she hails from Bhoora Kohna village in Tarn Taran district.
In a Facebook post, Giani Harpreet Singh said, “I appeal to the five-member committee that I do not wish to be part of the race for the presidency in competition with Bibi Satwant Kaur Ji… my name should not be considered for the position of president.”
The SGPC has allotted Bhai Gurdas Hall, near the Darbar Sahib (Golden Temple), as the venue for the August 11 election meeting. The committee had earlier sought Teja Singh Samundri Hall but was denied. Committee member Gurpartap Singh Wadala said Gurdwara Burj Akali Phoola Singh is also being considered, with a final decision on the venue expected soon.
