CHANDIGARH: The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has strongly opposed the decision of the State Election Commission (SEC) to hold elections to five municipal corporations and 43 municipal councils on December 21 at a time when the entire Sikh community is celebrating the martyrdom of the four Sahibzadas of Guru Gobind Singh. Senior SAD leader Dr Jagjit Singh Cheema said it was surprising that the State Election Commission had decided to hold elections on December 21, which is observed as the martyrdom day of two great Sahibzadas of Guru Sahib. He said it was unfortunate that despite the pleas of the Shiromani Akali Dal and the SGPC not to hold these elections in the second half of December, the Commissioner had chosen December 21 as the polling day
Dr Cheema asked the Commission to withdraw its order and issue fresh orders for holding local government elections in January. “We have seen that elections are always postponed on the occasion of holy days and days. He said that the Sikh community always celebrates the martyrdom of four Sahibzadas of Guru Gobind Singh ji in the second week of December and it would be better if elections are not held during this period. Dr Cheema also announced that the SAD would participate in these elections and necessary meetings would also be held to decide the strategy including selection of party candidates.
