In a massive development that can shake Punjab's political fraternity yet again, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President and former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal has been declared a ‘Tankhaiya’ (guilty of religious misconduct) by the Takht Sri Harimandir Ji, Patna Sahib. The decision was taken by the Panj Pyare (Five Beloved Ones) after Badal failed to appear before them despite being summoned multiple times.
As per reports, the controversy is linked to reinstatement of Bhai Ranjit Singh Gohar-e-Maskeen by Takht Sri Patna Sahib, an order which was allegedly opposed by Sukhbir Badal. The Takht had issued a directive to Badal on 21 May 2024, asking him to clarify his position within 20 days. Despite reminders and the intervention of a delegation from the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), Badal did not appear.
SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami had later sought an additional 15 days, but the deadline passed without compliance. As a result, on 5 July 2024, the Singh Sahibs of Takht Sri Patna Sahib formally declared Sukhbir Singh Badal a "Tankhaiya".
The declaration was signed by five Singh Sahibs of Patna Sahib and states that until Badal presents himself for religious penance or clarification, the ‘Tankhaiya’ status will stand.
For those who are unaware, last year in August, Akal Takht, the highest Sikh temporal seat, declared Shiromani Akali Dal president and former deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal tankhaiya for the mistakes committed by the SAD and its government from 2007-17.
Pronouncing the verdict from the Takht in the Golden Temple complex in Amritsar, jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh said, “Being the Deputy CM of Punjab and President of the Shiromani Akali Dal, Sukhbir Singh Badal took such decisions that deeply harmed the image of the Panth and greatly weakened the SAD. This damaged Sikh interests, too.”
As a punishment, Badal served as a 'Sevadar' guard sitting outside the Golden Temple gate with a spear in his hand.AN assassination attempt was also made during his punishment as a Sevadar.