Hooda's announcement is being seen in light of the impending assembly polls in the state to be held latest by February next year. The state has a sizeable Sikh population.

The SGPC, which manages all the big Sikh shrines - gurdwaras, including the holiest Sikh shrine 'Harmandar Sahib' (popularly called Golden Temple) in Amritsar, is unlikely to let go its control over the Haryana gurdwaras without a fight.

'We know how to fight for our rights and we are powerful enough to shield them. Today I am appealing the prime minister for the third time to intervene in the issue and to stop Hooda from giving such irresponsible public statements,' Makkar said.

He added: 'By giving such statements, Hooda is provoking Sikhs of the entire country and I am afraid that he will have to bear dire consequences. He is doing this at the behest of four-five unscrupulous people.'

Makkar said that the SGPC was not like any other ordinary organization and is an apex Sikh body with historical relevance.

Asked if the SGPC would launch an agitation against the Haryana move, Makkar said: 'We will plan an agitation after a meeting with the representatives of Shiromani Akali Dal.'