The SGPC manages all the major Sikh gurdwaras, including the holiest Sikh shrine Golden Temple, or the Harmandar Sahib, in Amritsar.

The Haryana government's move to form a separate SGPC also rocked both houses of parliament Thursday following protests from the Akali Dal and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

'Let the Sikhs of Haryana be given a free hand to decide one way or the other. They should be allowed to exercise their constitutional and democratic right. The referendum is the easiest and simple way to gauge the mood of the concerned people,' the Dal Khalsa leaders said.

They sought an All India Sikh Gurdwara Act (AISG Act) and said this would bring Sikhs of the country closer together.