He refused ‘siropa’, up for another challenge

Amritsar : Balbir Singh, a former ‘ardasia’ (priest) at the Golden Temple, has expressed his desire to contest the elections against Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal from the Lambi Assembly constituency.He uploaded a video on social network, which went viral as well, seeking advice from the Sikh community on the matter. He said he wanted to challenge Badal and his coterie that had “failed miserably” to curb the repeated incidents of desecration of Guru Granth Sahib.
“Through the video, I have sought the opinion of my Sikh brethren on my crusade against the Badals. I will wait for two days to get their response before furnishing requisite formalities to contest the elections,” he said, adding that the Badals had already been “excommunicated by the Panth” for their undue interference in religious matters. Balbir Singh shot into the limelight after he refused to offer a “siropa” (robe of honour) to both Deputy CM Sukbir Badal and CM Parkash Singh Badal during their visits to the Golden Temple.The SGPC had transferred him to Machhiwara, but he never joined his new assignment. He kept visiting the Golden Temple, but as a devotee. He was reinstated by newly appointed SGPC president Kirpal Singh Badungar on December 12.