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The resignation of Sukhbir Singh Badal as president of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) marks a significant turning point in the political landscape of Punjab, India. His decision, submitted to the party's working committee on Saturday, comes over two months after the Akal Takht, the highest temporal seat of Sikhism, declared him 'tankhaiya,' signifying guilt for violating the Sikh code of conduct. This declaration, made on August 30th, stemmed from actions and decisions made during his time as deputy chief minister and party chief between 2007 and 2017, which the Akal Takht deemed detrimental to Sikh interests and the Panth's image. The announcement of his resignation, made via social media by SAD spokesperson Daljeet Singh Cheema, opened the path for the election of a new party president.
Badal's political career, spanning several decades, includes a period as Union Minister under Atal Bihari Vajpayee and as Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab. He ascended to the SAD presidency in January 2008, inheriting the mantle from his father, Parkash Singh Badal. His leadership, however, was not without its challenges. Internal dissent surfaced as early as October 2015, following incidents of sacrilege and the theft of the Guru Granth Sahib. These controversies, coupled with the party's poor performance in the 2022 Vidhan Sabha polls, fueled further criticism and calls for his removal. The formation of a splinter group, the Akali Dal Sudhar Lehar, in July 2024, led by Gurpartap Singh Wadala, further intensified the pressure on Badal, with senior SAD leaders within the Sudhar Lehar openly demanding his resignation.
The 'tankhaiya' declaration effectively sidelined Badal politically. While he participated in some protests against the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in October, his involvement drew immediate objections from the Sudhar Lehar. Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh subsequently clarified that Badal was prohibited from any political activity until the 'tankha,' or punishment, for his violation of the Sikh religious code was determined. This restriction underscores the gravity of the Akal Takht's decision and its influence on Punjabi politics. The absence of a formal announcement regarding the 'tankha' adds another layer of complexity to the situation, leaving the future ramifications of the Akal Takht's ruling open to interpretation.
Badal's legacy as SAD president is a complex one. While the SAD-BJP alliance under his leadership secured victory in the 2012 elections, the party's fortunes declined significantly after the 2017 Assembly elections. The party's decision not to contest bypolls in four Punjab Assembly constituencies in November further highlights its current weakened position. His resignation, therefore, not only signifies the end of an era within the SAD but also reflects a broader shift in Punjab's political dynamics. The upcoming election for the new SAD president will be crucial in shaping the party's future trajectory and its ability to regain its footing in the state’s political landscape. The process will likely be closely watched for indications of future alliances and potential shifts in power within the party.
Beyond the immediate political consequences, Badal's resignation also raises questions about the role of religious authorities in influencing political processes. The Akal Takht's intervention in this case highlights the intertwined nature of religion and politics in the Punjab region. The long-term implications of this precedent remain to be seen, but it is undeniable that this event significantly impacts the future of the Shiromani Akali Dal and its place within Punjabi society. The internal dynamics of the SAD, the reactions of various factions, and the public's response will continue to unfold in the coming weeks and months, shaping the narrative surrounding Badal's legacy and the SAD's future.