Amritsar/Chandigarh, 14 January 2025: The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on Tuesday passed a resolution urging the Akal Takht to reinstate the Panth Rattan Fakhr-e-Qaum (Pride of the Sikh Community) title on its late leader and five-time Punjab chief minister, Parkash Singh Badal.
The resolution was adopted during the party’s traditional Maghi Mela convention in Muktsar, led by his son and former SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal.
On December 2, 2024, Akal Takht jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh and four other Sikh high priests revoked the title awarded to Badal Senior 13 years earlier in recognition of his political and social contributions.
The move followed allegations of religious misconduct against the SAD leadership during its tenure from 2007 to 2017, including the controversial pardon of Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim in 2015, which incited clashes between Dera followers and Sikhs. Sukhbir Singh Badal was subsequently declared a ‘tankhaiya’ (guilty of religious transgression) in August 2024.
During his speech at the rally, Sukhbir described his father as a towering figure in Punjab’s history, saying, “Parkash Singh Badal devoted 70 years to the Akali Dal and Sikhism. It is painful to hear him being labeled anti-Panthic or against Punjab’s interests.
He restored law and order in Punjab and stood for the state’s rights. Those speaking against him are ‘qaum de gaddar’ (traitors of the community).”
He further addressed allegations related to sacrilege incidents during the SAD regime, saying, “Such incidents deeply pained Badal Sa’ab, and he expressed regret over them. But why does no one hold Congress responsible for the 1984 attack on Darbar Sahib at the Golden Temple?”
Sukhbir underscored his dedication to Punjab, declaring, “I am ready to make any sacrifice for Punjab and Punjabis.” He also referenced a close call he had on December 4, when former Khalistani militant Narain Singh Chaura shot at him outside the Golden Temple while he was serving as a ‘sewadar.’ The bullet missed Sukhbir and struck a wall, and Chaura was apprehended.
Earlier at the Maghi rally, Sukhbir arrived humbly, sitting on the floor with party workers before being persuaded to join the stage. Former MLA Kanwarjit Singh Rozy Barkandi highlighted the event’s turnout, stating it reflected the people’s continued faith in Sukhbir’s leadership.
The resolution and the rally underline SAD’s efforts to safeguard Parkash Singh Badal’s legacy amid recent challenges and controversies facing the party.