By Mitchell Clarke
Claims that a Sikh temple have been “stacking candidates” in the Cardinia Shire Council elections have been rubbished by community leaders.
A post on a controversial Facebook page which claims to reveal ‘election truths’ alleged Officer Sikh temple spokesperson Harpreet Singh had been running ‘dummy candidates’ from the Sikh community.
Mr Singh denied any link between the Gurdwara Siri Guru Nanak Darbar (Officer Sikh temple) and the council elections.
He said such claims were “totally incorrect and completely baseless”.
“Our Gurdwara is not endorsing or promoting any candidate and nor have I,” he said.
“I don’t think I, or the Gurdwara, have any role to play in this upcoming election and I am not fielding any candidates. I am more concerned about my vote and who I will be directing that to.”
The Gazette understands a number of candidates are members of the Sikh community or have visited the temple for worship.
It’s also been confirmed Officer Ward candidate Nav Singh Dhanoa is a regular volunteer at the temple.
Mr Singh Dhanoa, who has been an active member of the community for the past five years, told the Gazette he had not been “pushed” into running for council.
“No one at the temple is endorsing me and I’m not running on behalf of anyone or the temple,” he explained.
“It’s completely my own decision and I didn’t consult anybody, so nobody had anything to do with my candidacy.
“I have done my part as a volunteer at the temple, and the things I’ve learnt there has made me want to do more for the community.”
Meanwhile, the Gurdwara Baba Budha Sahib ji (Pakenham Sikh temple) have also denied any links to the upcoming election.
Pakenham Sikh temple volunteer Monty Sodhi said none of the 14 core committee members were running.
“We have nothing to do with politics, we are doing our work for the community,” he said.
