In a massive development that can change of wind of politics in Punjab, Shri Akal Takht Committee split the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) into two parts. Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) which is currently headed by Sukhbir Badal was also made by Shri Akal Takht.
The recruitment committee of Shri Akal Takht has formed a new Panthic party, whose leader has been made former Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh.
Bibi Satwant Kaur has been made the chairperson of the Panthic Committee.
The 5 member committee has formed one Panthic and the other political faction. The political party will be headed by Giani Harpreet Singh. At the same time, Bibi Satwant Kaur will handle the Panthak Committee. Both will work separately.
These factions will work parallel to Sukhbir Badal's political party Shiromani Akali Dal and the Panthic Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC).
Akal Takht along with the rebel faction had gathered the Panthaks at Burj Akali Baba Phoola Singh Gurdwara, in which the new head was announced after the completion of the membership campaign.
As per reports, Sukhbir Singh Badal's troubles may increase with the command of the new party going into the hands of Giani Harpreet Singh.
The new party will adopt the constitution of SAD and present itself before the Election Commission as the real Akali Dal, which will give a direct challenge to the party led by Sukhbir Badal. However, Akali Dal (Badal) says that adding religion would be against the Constitution and it may endanger their recognition.
Why was a separate Panthak party formed?
In December 2024, Sri Akal Takht Sahib declared Akali chief Sukhbir Badal as Tankhaiya for not taking action on sacrilege and forgiving Dera Sacha Sauda chief Ram Rahim 9 years ago. After this, Akal Takht Sahib had ordered to elect the head by making delegates afresh.
All the groups were asked to work together. For this, Shri Akal Takht Sahib formed a 7-member committee. Two of these members resigned. Whereas, 5 members formed a new party.
After this whole matter, when the leaders led by Prof. Prem Singh Chandumajra reached Chandigarh Akali office, they were not allowed to hold a meeting. Chandumajra got angry with this and after this both the parties separated.
The Akali Dal in favour of Sukhbir Badal includes names like SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami, Kirpal Singh Bandugar, Gobind Singh Longowal, Daljit Singh Cheema. Whereas, the other side has leaders like Giani Harpreet Singh, Prof. Prem Singh Chandumajra, Manpreet Singh Ayali, Jagir Kaur.