AMRITSAR: Gurcharan Singh Tohra was unanimously elected the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) President for the 19th term by the SGPC members at the general house meeting held at the Teja Singh Samundari Hall Nov.30.

Mr.Jagdev Singh Talwandi president of Akali Dal (Talwandi) along with his only six SGPC members did not come to the general house meeting and stayed back in the SGPC secretary office.

Talwandi minutes before the general house meeting started told newsmen that he was not contesting the election “for the sake of unity with other Akali Dals. He said that he wanted no avoided confrontation with other “Akali factions.

He disclosed that a team of five members led by Mr.Tohra earlier in the day had requested him (Talwandi) not to contest. Butas Mr.Talwandi had insisted that he be given a chance this time to be SGPC president they had left the place.

Mr Talwandi supporters left the SGPC office much before the start of the election proceeding. Mr. Tohras name was proposed by Mr. Major Singh Uboke acting president SGPC and his close confident Mr. Baldey Singh Sibia former SGPC President seconded Mr. Tohras name. With the announcement of “Jo bole so nihal” Mr.Tohra was declared elected.

The other office-bearers elected unanimously at the general house meeting are Mr.Onkar Singh Matenagl vice president and Mr.Piara Singh Jr Vice President and Mr.Gurdial Singh Gen. Secretary.

Article extracted from this publication >> December 11, 1992