The Sikh community in Delhi has made a significant mark in the recently concluded Vidhan Sabha elections, securing five out of the 70 Assembly seats. This marks a noteworthy moment in the city’s political landscape, as Sikh candidates from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) have been elected. While Sikhs have historically held ministerial positions in Delhi, this election stands out due to the active participation of the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) leadership, which played a crucial role in mobilizing the electorate. WSN editor Jagmohan Singh takes stock and hopes that Sikh interests will be served.

BHARTIYA JANATA PARTY LEADER, HOLIER-THAN-THOU PARTY LOYALIST, known to toe only the party line, even if it means sacrificing Sikh community interests—Manjinder Singh Sirsa from Rajouri Garden, turncoat leaders Tarwinder Singh Marwah from Jangpura, and Arvinder Singh Lovely from Gandhi Nagar, alongwith third-time winner Jarnail Singh from Tilak Nagar and son of a former Congress leader -Pundardeep Singh Sawhney from Chandni Chowk, representing the Aam Aadmi Party are the new Sikh faces in the 2025 Delhi Assembly. Their victories symbolize Sikh political engagement in the capital, but they also bring a set of expectations from the community that extend beyond party lines.

A Historic Political Engagement

This election witnessed an unprecedented level of Sikh electoral participation, with strong backing from DSGMC leaders. This proactive involvement, while leading to electoral success, has also sparked debates about the extent to which Sikh institutions should engage in mainstream politics. Historically, there has been resistance to the DSGMC’s role in elections, but the results suggest that this participation may be here to stay.

However, while Sikh voters have enabled these victories, an important question lingers: Will these elected representatives advocate for Sikh issues beyond their general constituency responsibilities? Sikh concerns, ranging from Gurdwara governance to the pending DSGMC elections, remain unresolved.

The entanglement of BJP and AAP in a long-standing power struggle in Delhi, particularly between the Chief Minister and the Lieutenant Governor, has already delayed the DSGMC elections. With the BJP at the helm, at the Centre and in Delhi, the community is watching closely to see if the DSGMC elections will be conducted fairly and transparently.

The entanglement of BJP and AAP in a long-standing power struggle in Delhi, particularly between the Chief Minister and the Lieutenant Governor, has already delayed the DSGMC elections. With the BJP at the helm, at the Centre and in Delhi, the community is watching closely to see if the DSGMC elections will be conducted fairly and transparently.

Concerns Over BJP’s Influence on Sikh Affairs

A section of the community fears that the BJP’s increasing presence in Sikh political affairs, particularly through the DSGMC, could lead to greater interference in Gurdwara management. Manjinder Singh Sirsa, a prominent BJP leader and former DSGMC president, is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping Sikh affairs in the capital. His track record in fudging facts, distorting Sikh history and endorsing the party line, notwithstanding the views of the Sikh community, like the celebration of Bal Veer Diwas is too well-known and raises the hackles of the Panthic Sikh leadership.

A section of the community fears that the BJP’s increasing presence in Sikh political affairs, particularly through the DSGMC, could lead to greater interference in Gurdwara management.

Similarly, Arvinder Singh Lovely, during his tenure as a Congress party legislator and minister is known for his involvement in introducing restrictive amendments to the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Act during his tenure as Minister of Gurdwara Elections, has raised concerns about whether his policies will align with Sikh interests.

On the other hand, AAP’s Jarnail Singh, a three-time MLA, is seen as the party’s Sikh face in Delhi. His role as the Prabhari of Punjab and Chandigarh positions him as an influential figure, though during his two tenures, he has not taken any steps to resolve long-pending issues of Sikh residents in Delhi.

Talwinder Singh Marwah represents the voice of the Ramgharia section of the Sikh community and whether he will embrace the community’s interests or not, we will have to wait and watch.

Community Expectations from Elected Representatives

While the Sikh community has showcased its political strength, the true challenge for these five elected representatives lies in balancing party politics with Sikh concerns to ensure this historic victory brings tangible benefits to the community.

Beyond electoral victories, the Sikh citizenry of Delhi is minutely observing whether their representatives will prioritize issues that affect the community -DSGMC elections, Justice for 1984 victims, preservation of Sikh identity, conserving Punjabi language and employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for Sikh youth.

The Road Ahead

While the Sikh community has demonstrated its political strength, the real test for these five elected representatives lies ahead. Their ability to navigate party politics while addressing Sikh concerns will determine whether this momentous election translates into real benefits for the community.

For now, the community watches and waits, hopeful yet cautious about what lies ahead for Sikh representation in Delhi’s legislative corridors.