Kirpal Singh Badungar elected SGPC chief

AMRITSAR: Sikh intellectual Kirpal Singh Badunagar has been elected as the new president of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, to replace outgoing Avtar Singh Makkar who has held the post for 11 years. Election for the top SGPC post was held after nearly six years. Badunagar will have a new team of office bearers and executives to work with. Akali Dal spokesperson and Punjab Education minister Daljit Singh Cheema welcomed the "unanimous election". Cheema praised the new leader saying, "He has all the qualities and experience to be the SGPC chief. He has been elected for the third time." Punjab's ruling SAD dominates the mini parliament of the religion.