Amritsar, 2 December 2024 – The fate of Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal and other senior Akali leaders hangs in the balance as the Panch Singh Sahibs convene a crucial meeting at Sri Akal Takht Sahib today.
The meeting, scheduled to begin at 1 pm, may impose severe religious punishments on Badal, 17 former ministers, and former Shiromani Committee executive members.
Led by Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, the gathering will also deliberate on explanations provided by three Jathedars of Takht Sahibs. Speculation is rife within Sikh circles about possible sanctions, including a temporary ban on political activities and directives for unifying various Akali Dal factions under Akal Takht’s leadership.
Demands for stringent action have poured in from Sikh organizations, which stress that leniency could undermine the Panth’s future and the sanctity of Sri Guru Granth Sahib.
Representatives of several groups submitted appeals urging Singh Sahibs to deliver exemplary punishments that deter similar offenses in the future.
Decisions from today’s meeting could reshape the political and communal landscape of Akali Dal and influence its leadership dynamics.
A coordination committee for party unity may also emerge as part of the resolutions.
