NEW DELHI: Paramjit Singh Sarna, president of the Delhi Akali Dal, has launched a fresh attack on the leadership of the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC), accusing its president Harmeet Singh Kalka and senior BJP leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa of pushing the committee into a severe financial crisis. Sarna alleged that the present administration has depleted the Sikh body’s financial resources to such an extent that valuable gurdwara-owned properties had to be kept free from encumbrances as security before the Delhi High Court to ensure payment of employee salaries and pensions.
Sarna Targets DSGMC Leadership
Addressing the issue on Friday, Sarna accused Harmeet Singh Kalka and Manjinder Singh Sirsa of mismanaging the finances of the DSGMC. He referred to the duo as the “Champat Rais” of the committee, alleging that they had exhausted the Sangat’s funds through financial mismanagement.
According to Sarna, the current situation has forced the DSGMC to rely on its assets to assure employees that their lawful dues would be paid. He claimed this reflected the deteriorating financial condition of the committee under the existing leadership.
Reference to Delhi High Court Order
Sarna cited a Delhi High Court order dated July 7, under which the DSGMC reportedly agreed to maintain two of its key properties free from any encumbrances while implementing a court-monitored payment schedule for pending staff salaries and pension liabilities.
The properties include a 10-acre estate in Shahdara, Delhi, and a nearly 300-acre property at Bighar in Haryana. According to Sarna, these assets have effectively been presented before the court as financial assurance that employee dues will be cleared in accordance with the court’s directions.
He argued that such a step would not have been necessary had the committee maintained a healthy financial position.
Claims of Financial Decline
Highlighting the contrast between his tenure and the present administration, Sarna said the DSGMC had a surplus of around ₹125 crore when he stepped down from office.
He alleged that the financial reserves built over the years had now been exhausted, leaving the committee struggling to meet routine obligations such as salaries and pensions.
According to Sarna, the present circumstances indicate years of poor financial planning and alleged misuse of funds collected through Guru ki Golak and Dasvandh contributions made by members of the Sikh community.
Demand for Deloitte Audit Report
One of Sarna’s major demands was the immediate publication of the Deloitte audit report concerning the financial affairs of the DSGMC.
He questioned why the audit findings had not been made available to the Sikh community despite repeated demands.
Sarna alleged that if the committee’s financial management had been transparent, there would be no hesitation in releasing the report for public scrutiny. He claimed that withholding the audit only strengthens doubts among members of the Sikh community regarding the handling of religious funds.
The Delhi Akali chief urged the DSGMC leadership to make the report public to restore confidence among devotees and stakeholders.
Court Monitoring Raises Questions
Sarna also pointed to the Delhi High Court’s decision to monitor compliance with the payment schedule through periodic affidavits.
According to him, judicial oversight itself reflects the seriousness of the financial issues faced by the committee. He said the court-monitored process demonstrates the need for greater transparency and accountability in the functioning of the DSGMC.
He maintained that institutions responsible for managing religious properties and community funds must uphold the highest standards of financial governance.
Call for Transparency
Sarna reiterated that the Sikh community deserves complete clarity on how its contributions have been utilised over the years. He said the management should disclose all financial records, audit findings and expenditure details to remove doubts regarding the committee’s functioning.
He added that restoring public trust requires openness, independent audits and responsible financial administration. According to him, transparency is essential for protecting the interests of the Sangat and ensuring that religious institutions remain financially stable.
No Official Response Yet
At the time of writing, there was no immediate public response from DSGMC president Harmeet Singh Kalka or Manjinder Singh Sirsa regarding Sarna’s allegations.
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The Delhi High Court proceedings concerning employee salary and pension payments continue, while political differences over the management of the DSGMC remain a significant issue within sections of the Sikh community.
The controversy is expected to intensify in the coming days, especially if further details regarding the audit report or the committee’s financial position emerge.
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