AMRITSAR: The SGPC calling a two-day meeting of Sikh bodies and intellectuals from Wednesday to discuss celebrations for the 550 birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev has come under criticism.SGPC former general secretary Sukhdev Singh Bhaur described the meeting as “something fishy”. “SGPC has celebrated centenary and tercentenary functions earlier too, but never convened a meeting for two days,” he told TOI on Tuesday. He asked why did the SGPC not call such a meeting before it pardoned rape convict Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh.The meeting has been called at a time the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) is looking to regain lost ground in Panthic quarters. A senior leader of the party, who did not wish to be named, said ground was being prepared to generate support for SAD from all quarters. “We are taking damage-control measures and trying to divert attention from incidents of desecration of Guru Granth Sahib ,” he said.Many Sikh bodies have convened a Panthic assembly on October 20 and 21 on a single-point agenda of sacrilege incidents in Punjab. The assembly’s outcome may damage SAD’s prospects in 2019 polls and SGPC’s image.When conatcted, SGPC dharam parchar committee secretary Balwinder Singh Jaura Singha rubbished talk of the meeting having a political agenda. He said representatives of Sikh bodies, societies, Nihang outfits and Gurmat Taksals would give their suggestions on the first day. On the second day, representatives of Singh Sabhas would give their suggestions. Jaura said SGPC president Gobind Singh Longowal would convene over the meetings. “There suggestions would help us chalk out yearlong celebrations,” said Jaura Singha.

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