Amritsar: In what could mark a significant shift in the balance of influence within Canada’s Sikh community, moderate Sikh leaders have taken control of the management of Surrey’s prominent Dashmesh Darbar Gurdwara Sahib, long regarded as an important centre of Sikh community mobilisation in British Columbia.In the first-ever election for the gurdwara’s executive committee since its establishment in 1998, the results of which were declared on Saturday night, Jagtar Singh Sandhu was elected president. He defeated Satinderpal Gill, who was supported by a group considered more hardline in its stance on the Khalistan issue.According to a source familiar with the gurdwara election, Sandhu polled 159 votes. Four members of his panel — Kishan Heer, Kamaljit Hundal, Sukhwinder Kaur Sidhu and Randhir Singh Sihota — secured 155, 152, 151 and 145 votes, respectively.Satinderpal Gill, meanwhile, polled 127 votes, while Piara Panesar, Gurdip Samra, Kulwant Kaur Deol and Sukhdev Gill received 127, 123, 119 and 113 votes, respectively.The significance of the result goes beyond the management of the gurdwara.Dashmesh Darbar is closely associated with Surrey’s large-scale Vaisakhi celebrations and Khalsa Day parade, which begins at the gurdwara premises and draws large numbers of participants, including Khalistan supporters.According to reports, the gurdwara and its associated platforms have for years been part of a wider debate over the extent to which Sikh religious institutions in Canada should be used for political mobilisation, including support for Khalistan. Past reports have also documented controversies surrounding separatist symbolism and personalities at events associated with the gurdwara.Sources said the change in management could have implications for the political messaging emerging from one of the region’s most visible Sikh institutions.“With a new executive seen as more moderate taking charge, there is likely to be greater emphasis on religious affairs, community welfare and Canadian civic engagement, while reducing the space for political campaigns using religious platforms to promote what the source described as an anti-India narrative,” a source said.The source further said the result could make it more difficult for pro-Khalistan activists to exercise institutional influence through the gurdwara’s programmes, public platforms and community networks. At the same time, the source cautioned that any change in the use of these platforms would depend on the policies adopted by the new committee.Despite repeated attempts, Sandhu could not be contacted for comment. He also did not respond to a WhatsApp message.
