Amritsar, Dec. 3: A day after Sri Akal Takht Sahib issued directives, former Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal was seen undergoing religious penance at Sri Darbar Sahib, Amritsar. Badal, seated in a wheelchair by the gate with a plaque around his neck and a spear in hand, participated in the prescribed sewa as part of his religious punishment.
The directive, announced on Monday by Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghubir Singh, includes a series of religious punishments for prominent Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leaders. This follows their involvement in controversial decisions during Badal’s tenure from 2007 to 2017.
Three months ago, Sukhbir Singh Badal was declared tankhaiya by the Akal Takht for religious misconduct. The Takht has since instructed the SAD working committee to accept Badal’s resignation as party president and conduct elections for the position and other office-bearers within six months.
Key figures from SAD, including former ministers and SGPC members, are also facing similar directives, underscoring a significant moment of accountability for the party. The development highlights growing scrutiny of past decisions affecting the Sikh community’s religious and political landscape.