Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), also known as Akali Dal, and a key ally of BJP in Punjab, on Thursday abstained from the NDA meeting called to discuss the issues to be considered and taken up during the Interim Budget Session of Parliament, which began today.
SAD MP Prof Prem Singh Chandumajra, who was supposed to attend the NDA meeting on behalf of his party, said that "there are some issues, which need to be sorted out and I am confident these issues will be resolved mutually."
"It was actually a coincidence that at the same time I had to attend a programme. But yes there are some issues, which need to be sorted out and I am confident that these issues will be resolved mutually," said Prof Chandumajra.
SAD has accused the BJP of meddling in Sikh's religious affairs by trying to install its own people in the management of gurdwaras.
Akali Dal, which has majority in the Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) headquartered in Amritsar, is said to be upset with the alleged move of BJP government in Maharashtra to appoint its own man as the head of board of Gurdwara Takht Hazur Sahib, Nanded.
It is worth mentioning that Maharashtra government has effected an amendment in Section 11 of Sri Hazur Sahib Management Act which empowers the state to elect the head of gurdwara management.