CHANDIGARH: Shiromani Akali Dal has split into two factions, with one of the sides demanding change in the leadership as they seek to reconnect with the public and gain their trust.
Prem Singh Chandumajra, a veteran Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader turned rebel, appears to be considering pro-Khalistani Khadoor Sahib MP Amritpal Singh as a potential leader. This development comes as a faction of senior SAD leaders revolted against party chief Sukhbir Singh Badal on Tuesday, passing a resolution demanding his resignation following the party’s poor performance in the Lok Sabha elections.
In an interview, when asked if Amritpal Singh was the leader they were considering, Chandumajra responded, “Anyone who is a Panthic leader and understands our system could be our leader. It could be a five-member body or a single person; we are seeking support from all such individuals.” Asked further about Amritpal Singh, who has stated he does not believe in the Indian Constitution, Chandumajra clarified, “We believe in the Indian Constitution. Amritpal Singh contested the Lok Sabha elections in accordance with it. Whether he believes in it or not is a question for him. We are open to seeking his or anyone’s support in building a Panthic Party.”
The SAD leadership has invited the rebel group to address their issues within the party platform. However, the rebels, demanding Badal’s ouster, stated that they would seek support from any Panthic leader, including Amritpal Singh, to strengthen the party.
This internal strife presents a significant challenge for Badal, as the rift became evident with one faction calling for his resignation and another supporting him. The rebel leaders met in Jalandhar while Badal held a meeting with district presidents and other leaders in Chandigarh to review the party’s election performance. After a five-hour meeting in, the rebels announced the launch of ‘Shiromani Akali Dal Bachao’ movement from July 1. The party dismissed the rebels as “frustrated elements sponsored by the BJP,” aiming to weaken the Akali Dal. Chandumajra, after the meeting in Jalandhar, emphasised the need for change within the SAD, urging Badal to step down and hand over the leadership to someone who can strengthen the party and balance politics with religion. Other senior leaders present included former Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) chief Bibi Jagir Kaur, former minister Parminder Singh Dhindsa, and former MLAs Sikander Singh Maluka and Surjit Singh Rakhra.
Chandumajra said that they discussed the party’s past mistakes and shortcomings that led to its current state and explored ways to revive the party through internal reforms. “Today, we have united to address serious concerns over Akali Dal’s recent poll debacle. It’s imperative to implement changes that will revive our former stature. Akali Dal has plummeted from the heights to the ground. We will seek forgiveness for past mistakes at the Akal Takht on July 1 and launch a ‘Shiromani Akali Dal Bachao’ movement,” he said, stressing on the need to reconnect with disillusioned people and regain their trust.
Maluka added, “We discussed the party’s position from 2017 to 2024 and decided that Badal should voluntarily step down. The meeting aimed to chart a strategic course for the party in light of recent electoral setbacks.”
In Chandigarh, Badal chaired a simultaneous meeting where a resolution was passed, expressing full faith in his leadership. Loyalists Balwinder Singh Bhunder, Maheshinder Singh Grewal, and Daljeet Singh Cheema criticised the rebels, calling their demands for Badal’s removal “of no value.”
At a press conference, Cheema read a resolution praising Badal’s leadership. Badal dismissed the confusion over an alliance with the BJP, stating he could not betray the Panth and Punjab for an unprincipled alliance. He reiterated his commitment to upholding Sikh values and safeguarding Punjab’s interests.
In response, Chandumajra stated that the Akali Dal remains committed to its mission to uphold Sikh values and fight for justice. Meanwhile, Cheema countered, accusing the BJP, Congress, and government agencies of undermining the Panth and Punjab.
Grewal emphasised that, according to the constitution of Akali Dal, the party’s district bodies, delegates, and working committee are the most powerful bodies. “All three bodies have full confidence in Sukhbir Badal. The disgruntled leaders can cry as much as they want, it does not carry any value,” Grewal said.