A Factional Group Split from Shiromani Akali Dal in Punjab Elects Giani Harpreet Singh as President. This move is considered a major setback for Sukhbir Badal. The Akal Takht has reorganized this faction.
Punjab: In the political landscape of Punjab, a factional group that broke away from the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has made a significant decision. In a representative assembly held in Amritsar, Giani Harpreet Singh, the former Jathedar of Takht Sri Damdama Sahib, was elected as the new president of this faction. Simultaneously, Satwant Kaur was appointed as the president of the faction's Panthic Council. This decision was made by the committee appointed by the Akal Takht to reorganize this faction.
Reorganization by Akal Takht and the Controversy of Declaring 'Tankhaiya'
In December 2024, Giani Harpreet Singh and his associates declared Sukhbir Singh Badal, leader of the Shiromani Akali Dal, along with some other leaders, as 'Tankhaiya' – guilty of religious misconduct – by the Akal Takht. This decision reflected deep political and religious differences within the party. Following the indictment of Badal and other leaders, the Akal Takht reorganized this faction through its delegation.
Akal Takht Committee Organizes Representative Assembly
The committee appointed by the Akal Takht organized the representative assembly of this faction at Gurdwara Burj Akali Phool Singh in Amritsar. In this assembly, Giani Harpreet Singh's name was proposed for the position of president of the faction, and he was unanimously elected. Similarly, Satwant Kaur's name was proposed for the position of president of the Panthic Council, and she was also elected.
Political and Religious Journey of Giani Harpreet Singh
Giani Harpreet Singh has served as the former Jathedar of Takht Sri Damdama Sahib. In February, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) dismissed him from the Jathedarship. He is one of the prominent religious leaders of Sikhism and has been politically active since Operation Blue Star in 1984.
Political Significance of Satwant Kaur
Satwant Kaur, who has become the president of the Akali faction's Panthic Council, is the former president of the All India Sikh Students Federation. Her family has also been involved in Sikh politics and religious movements. Her father, Amrik Singh, who was martyred in Operation Blue Star in 1984, was a close associate of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale.
Other Prominent Leaders Included in the Akal Takht Committee
The reorganization committee appointed by the Akal Takht includes MLA Manpreet Singh Ayali, Iqbal Singh Jhundan, Santa Singh Umedpur, former MLA Gurpratap Singh Wadala, and Satwant Kaur. These leaders are playing a significant role in determining the new direction of the faction that broke away from SAD.
Past Events and Controversies
On December 2, 2024, the Akal Takht pronounced 'punishment' on the leaders of the Shiromani Akali Dal for the mistakes made during their tenure. Under this, Sukhbir Badal was declared 'Tankhaiya'. This created a deep political crisis within the party. Several rebel leaders who appeared before the Akal Takht to seek forgiveness supported this order.
Resignations of SGPC President and Former President
Amidst this controversy, SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami and former President Kirpal Singh Badungar resigned from the committee appointed by the Akal Takht. However, the SAD working committee formed its own panel and started a membership drive. This move was considered a violation of the Akal Takht's directives.
Sukhbir Badal's Re-election as Party President
On April 12, Sukhbir Badal was re-elected as the president of SAD. Despite this, the committee appointed by the Akal Takht launched a parallel membership drive in March. Under this, the faction organized a representative session and elected new office bearers.
