Priest who refused `sirpora` to Punjab CM Badal transferred

Amritsar: Balbir Singh, an ardasiya (prayer reciter), who refused the traditional 'siropa' (robe of honour) to Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal has been transferred.

The priest had refused to give a siropa to the party patriarch inside the sanctum sanctorum of the Golden Temple, citing "government's inaction" in cases of sacrilege of Guru Granth Sahib last year.

The Chief Minister accompanied by the senior Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) official, had been to sanctum sanctorum of the Golden Temple to pay obeisance but Singh refused to offer 'siropa' to the Chief Minister.

Singh had earlier refused to honour deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal with 'siropa' on January 20 this year, alleging that Punjab government had failed to curb the series of sacrilege of holy Guru Granth Sahib in the state.

Ardasiyas are the employees of the SGPC.