In a surprising move Jagdish Singh Jhinda withdrew his resignation from the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (HSGMC) just a few hours after stepping down.  Jhinda had initially resigned, taking moral responsibility after his group won only 9 out of 40 seats in the first HSGMC elections held on Sunday. Jhinda explained that he was under immense pressure from his supporters, who urged him not to quit.  He said, “My resignation deeply hurt the community. I promise never to think about resigning again. Together, we will fight for the cause of our Guru Ghars.” According to the  political observers  Jhinda was eyeing the president’s post and his  move is being considered as an attempt to garner support of independents to strengthen his claims.

Jhinda heads the Panthak Dal-Jhinda Group, which contested the HSGMC elections with a reformist agenda. The group, however, fell short of a majority, winning only 9 seats, while 22 went to Independents. Disappointed by the outcome, Jhinda submitted his resignation to the Kurukshetra Deputy Commissioner, addressing it to the Haryana Governor. In his resignation letter, he stated, “Despite our efforts, we could not win the trust of the majority. I feel it is right to step down and take responsibility.”

Shortly after resigning, Jhinda decided to withdraw his resignation, saying he would now focus on strengthening his group. He promised to work with his team to devise a strategy for the HSGMC’s leadership and ensure the goals of his group are achieved. “Whatever the Sangat has given me, I accept it with great respect,” he said. Jhinda’s resignation and its reversal have brought attention to the changing political and religious dynamics among Haryana’s Sikhs. The elections, which determine the management of 51 historical gurdwaras, were highly competitive. Many see Jhinda’s decision as a move to keep his group’s influence alive.
Meanwhile, Didar Singh Nalwi, leader of the Sikh Samaj Sanstha which has won three seats, expressed willingness to support Jhinda. The focus now shifts to how the HSGMC will function under the leadership of the majority group and what role Jhinda’s group will play in shaping its future. Now the government will also nominate nine members and they will elect the president of the HSGMC.