Modi govt picks a Sikh again to head minorities panel
The Indian government has appointed Harjit Singh Grewal as the new chairman of the National Commission for Minorities after a 15-month vacancy. This appointment is seen as politically significant ahead of the 2027 Punjab assembly elections.
Why it matters
The appointment reflects the ruling party's strategy to engage with the Sikh community and manage minority representation in a politically sensitive region.
NEW DELHI: After remaining without a chief for 15 months, National Commission for Minorities (NCM) Tuesday saw its new chairman Harjit Singh Grewal, assume charge. He is the second Sikh to head the body under the Modi govt after Iqbal Singh Lalpura. The post had been vacant since April 2025, when Lalpura's three-year term ended.Before Lalpura and Grewal, the NCM had largely been headed by members of the Muslim community since its inception in 1993, except between 2003 and 2006, when Tarlochan Singh was chairperson. Syed Ghayorul Hasan Rizvi was NCM chief from May 2017 to 2020. He was preceded by Naseem Ahmad (2014-2017).Grewal's appointment gains significance as it comes ahead of 2027 Punjab assembly polls.
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