CHANDIGARH: Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) acting president Balwinder Singh Bhunder and former MLA Virsa Singh Valtoha, who is not an official party member, visited the Chandigarh residence of SAD rebel leader Bikram Singh Majithia on Monday. The meeting was reportedly an attempt to mend the growing rift between Majithia and his brother-in-law, Sukhbir Singh Badal. However, Majithia was unavailable at home during their visit, meaning that the efforts at reconciliation within the party are still pending.
The division between Majithia and Badal became apparent after Majithia’s outright disassociation from the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee’s (SGPC) March 7 decision to remove Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh and Takht Kesgarh Sahib Jathedar Giani Sultan Singh. The SAD-dominated SGPC had taken this action, which had raised humongous controversy in the Sikh community. Majithia and six other SAD leaders opposed the move, which they described as damaging Sikh sentiments immensely. In a collective statement, they argued that religious matters of this nature should be approached with utmost caution and in accordance with Sikh sentiments.
Majithia’s revolt angered SAD’s interim chief, Balwinder Singh Bhunder, who launched a scathing attack
In a media conversation, Valtoha downplayed the tensions, suggesting that Bhunder’s comment could have been avoided. He claimed that the media had exaggerated Majithia’s protest against the SGPC’s decision, and that the party had responded angrily and quickly. Valtoha emphasised that the conflict was not insurmountable, asserting that both Bhunder and he had visited Majithia’s residence to clear the matter.
Majithia, however, was unavailable, as he was reportedly engaged in legal consultations regarding his recent summons by the Special Investigation Team (SIT). Majithia is currently under investigation by the SIT of the Punjab Police in connection with a case registered under the NDPS Act in December 2021. The SAD has dismissed similar legal proceedings in the past, calling them politically motivated. To date, the party has not issued an official response to the new summons.
After visiting Majithia’s residence, Valtoha turned to Facebook to urge party members not to make harsh remarks about Majithia. He cautioned that internal differences should not escalate to the point of causing long-term splits within the party. He called for unity, stressing that SAD’s strength lies in staying united, and urged Majithia to set aside his grievances and work harder for the party. Valtoha himself has had a complicated history with SAD. He resigned from the party in October after being accused by then-Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh of issuing threats in relation to a pending religious misconduct complaint against Badal. Following this, the Akal Takht recommended that SAD expel Valtoha for ten years. Despite his resignation, Valtoha has remained active on social media, frequently criticising former Takht Damdama Sahib Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh on various religious and political issues.
Despite recent efforts by Bhunder and Valtoha to bridge the gap between Badal and Majithia, no public statements have been made indicating that the tension has eased.
Adding to the complexity is that SAD’s rivals have not been as aggressive against Majithia. Giani Harpreet Singh, for example, has come to Majithia’s defence over his protests against the removal of the Jathedars, lending legitimacy to his cause. This unusual forbearance by SAD’s adversaries suggests that Majithia’s revolt has garnered sympathy from certain religious and political quarters.