SAD (Badal) leading in DSGMC polls

As per latest trends, SAD (Badal) was well ahead of Congress backed ruling Shiromani Akali Dal (Delhi) in 30 seats out of total 46 seats.

"SAD (Badal) is leading in around 30 seats," an official of the directorate of gurudwara elections said.

Elections to DSGMC, the powerful body of the Sikh community, was held on Sunday and a total of 265 candidates were in the fray out of which four were women.

With the Sikh vote being a key factor in several areas in the city, the result of the polls assume significance in view of assembly polls in Delhi later this year.

Currently, the committee is headed by Paramjit Singh Sarna of Akali Dal (Delhi).

Other than SAD(Delhi) and SAD (Badal), Kendriya Guru Singh Sabha and Dashmesh Seva Society are also fighting the election.

DSGMC, an autonomous organisation, comprises of 51 members -- 46 elected and five nominated.

The body manages Sikh shrines, various educational institutions, hospitals, old-age homes, libraries and other charitable institutions in the national capital.

Around 42 per cent voters out of 4.12 lakh registered voters had cast their votes in the elections.