Avtar Singh Makkar re-elected SGPC chief

Amritsar, Nov 16 (ANI): The Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC), the apex governing body of Sikh shrines across India on Tuesday re-elected Avtar Singh Makkar as its President.

The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), the ruling party of Punjab had backed Makkar for this coveted post.

The elections were held at the Teja Singh Samundari Hall in SGPC Headquarter premises and under the presence of five head priests, who are non-voting members of the SGPC.

Total of 156 votes were cast in the SGPC election out of which Avtar Singh Makkar bagged 133 votes and was duly elected for the sixth time defeating Bhajan Singh who bagged 23 votes.

SGPC is regarded as the mini parliament of the Sikhs.

The SGPC governs all Sikh shrines and schools across India, receiving donations to the tune of billions every year and holds considerable power in moulding the community's ideologies and political inclinations.

Though considered apolitical, the SGPC polls, held once in every five years, are always fought on political lines. (ANI)