SAD Takes Action Against Party Members Over Disciplinary Issues
CHANDIGARH: The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) announced a firm response on Sunday regarding what it called “indiscipline” within its ranks. The party issued show-cause notices to Bikram Singh Majithia, a prominent member and brother-in-law of former party chief Sukhbir Singh Badal, along with other functionaries who publicly criticized the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee’s (SGPC) recent decision to remove the jathedars of Akal Takht and Takht Keshgarh Sahib.
Balwinder Singh Bhunder, the working president of SAD, stated, “Everyone has the right to voice their opinions at the right party platform, but no one is above our party rules. Any anti-party statements are now with the disciplinary committee, and appropriate action will be decided based on the replies we receive.”
During a parliamentary board meeting held in Chandigarh, party spokesperson Daljit Singh Cheema highlighted the issue of members speaking out against decisions made by SGPC and SAD. This meeting followed Majithia and six other SAD members releasing a joint statement opposing SGPC’s choice to dismiss Giani Raghbir Singh as the head of Akal Takht and Giani Sultan Singh from Takht Keshgarh Sahib. They called for unity among the Panth, or Sikh community.
Bhunder criticized Majithia for his statements, reminding him of his long-standing role in the party. “He has been a significant figure in Akali Dal for a decade and should have discussed his concerns privately with the Badal family rather than going public," he added.
Despite the dissent shown by a few members, Bhunder insisted that the party remains strong. He compared the situation to earlier crises faced by SAD, suggesting that this current discontent is not the first of its kind and certainly not the most severe.
Gurpartap Singh Wadala, who is involved in overseeing SAD’s membership initiatives, commented that Majithia’s remarks indicate a growing dissatisfaction within some party ranks regarding the lack of action on directives from Akal Takht.
Punjab Congress leader Raja Warring weighed in on the situation online, suggesting that the internal conflict was merely a tactic to consolidate power among a few individuals. He questioned Majithia’s intentions, especially regarding the removal of other jathedars.
Meanwhile, Nihang groups have threatened to obstruct the appointment of a new jathedar for Takht Keshgarh Sahib, demanding the reinstatement of the officials who were removed.
The situation within SAD remains tense, with actions being closely monitored as the party navigates this internal crisis.
