The working committee of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on Friday accepted the resignation of Sukhbir Singh Badal as party president, ending months of speculation. The decision was made during a meeting at the party’s headquarters in Chandigarh, as reported by PTI.
Sukhbir Badal had initially tendered his resignation on November 16, 2023, but the committee had urged him to reconsider, warning that its members would resign en masse if he stepped down. However, the Akal Takht, the highest temporal authority of Sikhs, intervened with an edict on December 2, directing the SAD to accept Badal’s resignation and hold fresh elections for the party’s leadership within six months.
Religious Edict and Resignation
The Akal Takht had declared Badal a tankhaiya (guilty of religious misconduct) for errors committed during the SAD’s governance of Punjab between 2007 and 2017. On August 30, 2023, Badal underwent religious punishment for these alleged missteps.
Following the edict, the Akal Takht formed a panel to appoint new delegates and organize elections for the positions of SAD president and other office-bearers. On Friday, the SAD complied with the directive, formally accepting Badal’s resignation.
Sukhbir Badal’s Statement
After the resignation was accepted, Badal expressed gratitude to party workers and leaders for their support during his tenure.
“In the last five years, I did whatever was possible towards serving the party. I thank the workers and leadership who supported me,” he told reporters.
Attempted Attack on Sukhbir Badal
The decision to accept his resignation comes months after a shocking incident on December 4, when former militant Narain Singh Chaura attempted to shoot Sukhbir Badal while he was undergoing tankhah (religious punishment). The attack was foiled as plainclothes policemen overpowered the assailant, who was later arrested.
Path Ahead for SAD
With Badal stepping down, the SAD will now focus on electing new leadership, a move seen as crucial to revitalizing the party after years of criticism for its governance record. The elections for the post of president and other office-bearers are expected to take place within the stipulated six-month period as directed by the Akal Takht.
Sources By Agencies
