“Despite my requests to CM Parkash Singh Badal and party chief Sukhbir Singh Badal, the issue is not being sorted out. I want the EC to take note and take legal action on Khera’s plea at the earliest,” said Gumtala, a SAD (B) general body member. Gumtala had also revolted during a meeting of delegates held at Bhai Gurdas Hall here on January 23.

Gumtala said he would fight for “internal democracy” in the party, which, he said, was “hijacked by one family”. He questioned the presence of Information and Public Relations Minister Bikram Singh Majithia during the delegates’ meeting. “Majithia is not a member or a delegate and in what capacity did he came and steer the proceedings of the house. The meeting was bogus and unconstitutional,” alleged Gumtala, claiming that he was thrown out of the meeting after he raised the vital points.

Khera, when contacted, said he had submitted a plea before the EC in April, 2007. “I have send numerous reminders to the EC, but no action has been taken yet,” he said, adding that he would send another reminder to the EC.

The issue dates back to when the EC was updating its records on computers in 1994 and sought constitutions from political parties. “When SAD (B) submitted its constitution, it stated that it was a secular party,” said Khera, adding that the party is actually based on religious grounds and the undertaking of secular credentials was taken as it is mandatory for recognition.

“Knowing that if they (SAD-B) would reveal the religious base of the party, they might not get recognition, they submitted a changed constitution. I want to know if the party has changed its constitution to meet the new requirements or has made some amendment,” said Khera, adding that the party was maintaining two constitutions — one for the EC and another to show to the people that they are a Panthic party.

Gumtala said he had written various letters to the party’s high command, asking the same question, but he was snubbed. “I want the EC to act immediately on Khera’s plea,” reiterated Gumtala, adding that as per the party’s constitution, only baptised Sikh men and women can become members, but the constitution presently available on the EC’s website says something else.