SGPC is a 'state within a state', says its chief

AMRITSAR: Claiming that role of Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee ( SGPC ) was akin to that of a "state within a state", its president Harjinder Singh Dhami on Friday said this was seen as a source of contention by central govt.

Speaking at a congregation on the 104th foundation day of SGPC, Dhami said the body had managed gurdwaras according to panthic spirit during its journey of over a century, and always played a leading role in guarding Sikh interests .

"Govts are continuously trying to limit its jurisdiction. After indirectly taking over the management of Takht Sri Patna Sahib , Takht Sri Hazur Sahib (Nanded), Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee & Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee, their intention now is to grab management of SGPC," he alleged.