Amritsar, March 16 — The Akal Takht-appointed panel overseeing the Shiromani Akali Dal’s (SAD) leadership transition called on Punjabis to gather at Sri Harmandir Sahib, Amritsar, on March 18 to enroll as party members.
Manpreet Ayali, speaking for the five-member panel, which includes Gurpartap Wadala, Santa Umaidpuri, Satwant Kaur, and Iqbal Jhunda, said the membership drive would begin Tuesday.
“I appeal to Sikhs, Punjabis, and all Panth supporters to reach the Golden Temple, where enrollment will start at 11 a.m. after ‘ardaas,’” Ayali said.
Meanwhile, the SAD, which is at odds with the Akal Takht over the matter, launched its own membership drive on January 20. SAD spokesperson Daljit Cheema warned of potential legal consequences if another enrollment process was conducted under the party’s name.
“The SAD is a registered party with its constitution, formation, accounts, and records recognized by the Election Commission. No one else can admit members under its name and banner—it would be unauthorized,” Cheema said.
SAD, which plans to hold organizational elections on March 18, claims over 32 lakh people have already joined through its ongoing membership campaign.
