Shiromani Akali Dal Chief Sukhbir Singh Badal Summoned by Prestigious Sikh Institution Over Dissident’s Claims
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The leader of the Shiromani Akali Dal, Sukhbir Badal, has been called upon by the Akal Takht, the supreme spiritual authority of the Sikh faith, in response to allegations made by dissident members of the party. Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh has requested Badal to provide a written clarification regarding the dissidents’ accusations that suggest he does not accurately represent the sentiments of the Sikh community.
Within a period of 15 days, Mr. Badal is expected to furnish his response.
A group of dissident Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leaders recently visited the Akal Takht Sahib on July 1 where they expressed regret for the “errors” that occurred during their party’s governance in the state from 2007 to 2017. At the Akal Takht secretariat at the Golden Temple in Amritsar, they submitted a letter of apology to the Akal Takht Jathedar.
Following a meeting of the Panj Singh Sahibs – five Sikh high priests, the jathedar released a statement.
“In response to a complaint by senior Shiromani Akali Dal leaders at the Sri Akal Takht Sahib, the President of Shiromani Akali Dal is alleged to have not accurately conveyed the communal sentiments. Consequently, the SAD president has been summoned to personally provide a written explanation of the allegations to the Akal Takht Sahib within a 15-day period,” as per a statement issued by the Akal Takht.
Additionally, the Akal Takht has called for clarification from the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) concerning allegations raised by certain Akali leaders pertaining to the expenditure of Rs 90 lakh on advertisements.
“The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee has been asked to provide clarification on accusations made by specific Akali leaders regarding the Rs 90 lakh expenditure on advertising,” the statement indicated.
The dissidents sought forgiveness for the “four misjudgments” during the previous SAD regime, including the failure to bring those responsible for the 2015 incidents of sacrilege to justice and the exoneration of Dera Sacha Sauda leader Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in a 2007 sacrilege case.
They placed blame on the SAD chief, who held the position of deputy chief minister at the time, for these “errors.”
The dissident letter alleged that the SGPC had spent approximately Rs 90 lakh on newspaper advertisements to defend their decision to pardon the Dera chief.
In 2015, based on a written apology, the Akal Takht forgave the Dera chief in the sacrilege case. However, following pressure from the Sikh community and hardliners, this decision was rescinded.
In their letter, the dissidents also referenced the 2015 sacrilege incidents, stating that the then Akali government failed to ensure the culprits were penalized for their actions.
Prominent figures such as former MP Prem Singh Chandumajra, former SGPC chief Bibi Jagir Kaur, former MLA Gurpartap Singh Wadala, former minister Parminder Singh Dhindsa, and party leader Sucha Singh Chhotepur are among those who have expressed dissent against Mr. Badal.
Meanwhile, in response to the summons, Akali Dal spokesperson Arshdeep Singh Kler has indicated that they will adhere to all directives from the Akal Takht Sahib, and everyone within the Akali Dal, including Sukhbir Singh Badal, will present themselves before the institution as requested.
