Condemning the removal of Ranjit Singh by SGPC members loyal to Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, convenor of the newly formed `Shiromani Akali Dal Delhi', Autar Singh Auto Pins, said ``we have formed our own party in Delhi. For us Ranjit Singh is still the rightful head of Akal Takht.''

Claiming the support of 26 of the 49 Delhi Sikh Gurudwara Management Committee (DSGMC) members, he said the new party would fight the next DSGMC elections on its own.

Autar Singh said besides him three of the eight members of SAD were with the new party. ``We have formed the new party to ensure smooth functioning of all Sikh religious institutions and to protect the panth,'' he said.

The party's one-point agenda is to oppose tooth and nail the removal of RanjitSingh, he said, adding ``we will resist anyone who tries to undermine the authority of the Akal Takht.''

Asked whether Tohra was consulted before formation of the party, he replied in the negative saying ``neither was he (Tohra) consulted nor did he give any instructions to us.''

Autar Singh said an eleven-member working committee has been formed to run the party of which he has been appointed the convenor.