Breaking News: Sukhbir Badal Declared Guilty of Religious Misconduct
Sukhbir Singh Badal said he will soon appear before the Akal Takht to apologise.
Amritsar: The Akal Takht declared Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal ‘tankhaiya’ (guilty of religious misconduct) for his party’s “mistakes” from 2007 to 2017. This decision came after significant deliberation among the Sikh religious leaders.
Sukhbir Badal Accepts the Verdict
Shortly after the declaration, Sukhbir Badal responded by showing humility. He bowed his head, accepting the Akal Takht’s order. Through a post on X, written in Punjabi, Mr. Badal expressed his readiness to appear before the Akal Takht to seek forgiveness.
Akal Takht’s Directive
Following a meeting of the five Sikh head priests, Jathedar Gyani Raghbir Singh instructed Mr. Badal to present himself before the Akal Takht within 15 days. The aim? To apologize for decisions made during his time as the Deputy Chief Minister and as the SAD Chief, actions which allegedly damaged the Sikh community (‘Panth’) and its interests.
Consequences Until Apology
According to the religious verdict, Mr. Badal will remain ‘tankhaiya’ until he formally seeks forgiveness. The Akal Takht also directed other Sikh community members who served as ministers during the Akali government (2007-17) to provide written explanations within the same 15-day period.
Details Behind the Verdict
While the Akal Takht did not specify the exact ‘mistakes’ of Mr. Badal, several incidents during the mentioned period are likely contributors. Notably, the 2015 events in Faridkot, involving sacrilegious acts like the theft of a ‘bir’ (copy) of the Guru Granth Sahib and torn pages scattered at Bargari, occurred under the Shiromani Akali Dal’s governance.
Reactions from the Sikh Clergy
Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh, among others, participated in these deliberations. Prior to this meeting, Mr. Badal had appointed Balwinder Singh Bhundar as the party’s working president, which was interpreted as a strategic move.
Seeking Forgiveness: Past and Present
Mr. Badal has been transparent in seeking “unconditional forgiveness” for all mistakes made during the SAD’s rule in Punjab. In his recent letter, he described himself as a humble servant committed to the Guru Granth Sahib and the Akal Takht.
This letter was a response to allegations from party rebels, demanding his resignation. Prominent rebel leaders, including Prem Singh Chandumajra and former SGPC chief Bibi Jagir Kaur, had appeared before the jathedar on July 1, seeking forgiveness for four mistakes committed during the party’s rule.
The Letter to the Akal Takht
Earlier this month, a three-page letter from Mr. Badal to Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh was made public. This letter addressed the accusations from rebel leaders and was dated back to July 24. The division within the party highlights a growing demand for Mr. Badal’s resignation.
Mr. Badal’s Commitment to Sikh Traditions
In his communication, Mr. Badal assured that he and his associates would abide by every Akal Takht order, as per ‘Gurmat’ (Sikh teachings) traditions. He also shared a copy of an October 2015 letter from his father, former Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, which referred to tragic incidents in Punjab during 2007-2015.
Painful Incidents Under Akali Dal’s Watch
Between 2007 and 2017, multiple unfortunate events took place, including the 2015 sacrilege incidents in Faridkot. The mismanagement and inability to punish the guilty were major points of contention for the rebel leaders. Additionally, the 2007 blasphemy case involving Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh was cited. Mr. Badal was accused of using his influence to ensure that the Dera chief was pardoned in this case.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Mr. Badal’s acknowledgment of the Akal Takht’s orders and his promise to seek forgiveness mark a significant development in Punjab’s political and religious landscape. The Sikh community remains watchful as events unfold in the coming weeks.
