Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), once a prominent political force in Punjab, is facing internal turmoil as a fraction of senior leaders has openly revolted against the current party leadership under Sukhbir Singh Badal. The unprecedented revolt has come in the wake of significant electoral setbacks suffered by the party in recent Lok Sabha, besides the assembly, municipal, and panchayat elections over the past decade — signaling a deep-seated discontent within its ranks.
The revolt unfolded through parallel meetings held in Chandigarh and Jalandhar, showcasing a gulf within the party’s leadership. In Chandigarh, SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal convened a crucial gathering amidst growing dissent, attempting to address concerns raised by senior members regarding the party’s direction and performance.
Meanwhile, in Jalandhar, a separate assembly of dissenting leaders, including prominent figures like Prem Singh Chandumajra, Parminder Singh Dhindsa, Bibi Jagir Kaur, Surjit Singh Rakhra, Sikandar Singh Maluka, Gurpartap Wadala, Charanjit Brar, Harinder Pal Singh Tohra, Gaganjit Singh Barnala, Paramjit Kaur Landran, Sucha Singh Chhotepur, Sarwan Singh Phillaur, and others, articulated their grievances and demands for change.
Chandumajra, a former minister, former MP, and a central figure in the dissent, emphasized the urgent need for introspection within the party. He pointed out that the Akali Dal has witnessed a decline in its electoral fortunes and influence since 2017, necessitating immediate corrective measures.
He also announced plans for a visit to Sri Akal Takht Sahib on July 1, where a section of Akali leaders intend to seek forgiveness and renew commitment to the core principles and values that define the Akali Dal’s legacy.
The dissenting leaders cited several reasons for their discontent, prominently highlighting strategic missteps and alleged conspiracies by external forces, including the BJP, aimed at weakening and fragmenting the Akali Dal. They accused the current leadership of disconnecting from the sentiments and aspirations of grassroots workers, which they argue has contributed significantly to recent electoral setbacks.
The meeting in Jalandhar lasted for more than five hours, during which senior leaders deliberated extensively on the path forward. They reaffirmed their commitment to reclaiming the party’s historical prominence and influence in Punjab’s political landscape. The leaders stressed that their actions were motivated by a desire to restore the pride and dignity of the Akali Dal, which has been a cornerstone of Punjab’s political identity for decades.
Lamenting the party’s decline, Chandumajra said: “Saadi party arsh tonh farsh te aa diggi (Our party has fallen from grace). We have discussed ways to improve the graph of the party.”
He announced plans to seek forgiveness at the Akal Takht on July 1, marking the formal launch of the “SAD Bachao Lehar”. Chandumajra emphasized the need for a new leader who would listen to the people's mandate and reinvigorate the party.
The meeting concluded with a resolution to form a 15-21 member committee tasked with steering the party out of its current crisis. The meeting also saw discussions on various critical issues, including human rights concerns surrounding Amritpal Singh and the need to review the National Security Act (NSA). The leaders also addressed the long-standing issue of Bandi Singhs (Sikh prisoners), urging both the state and central governments to take appropriate actions.
Voicing the collective sentiment, Maluka said that Sukhbir Badal should step down without any hesitation. “Sukhbir should not have had any second thoughts on stepping down,” he added. The rebel leaders proposed Giani Harpreet Singh as a potential candidate for the party’s presidency, indicating that a final decision on the new leader would be made within a week or two.
The internal revolt follows a significant decline in the party’s influence from 2017 to 2024, as acknowledged by Chandumajra. The rebellion gained momentum after a series of defeats in the recent elections, which many attributed to ineffective leadership and disconnect with the grassroots.
“All (present in the meeting) are, in consensus, of the view that SAD is weakening and there is a need to strengthen it...We have been asking the party president since long to take concrete steps to revitalize the Akali Dal…but the same was ignored…So we decided to come together, discuss, panthic issues, Punjab issues….We have decided that the people, who are upset with Akali leadership, for the mistakes done by them and also our fault in maintaining silence for the same….to seek forgiveness from the people, from the Akal Takht Sahib on July 1,” said former minister and former SGPC chief Bibi Jagir Kaur.
Senior Leaders, District, Halqa Heads Reaffirm Faith In Sukhbir’s Leadership
SAD leaders, including former MPs, former Ministers, district unit heads, halqa in-charges, among others, have strongly denounced what they describe as “deep-rooted conspiracies” orchestrated by external forces to undermine the unity and leadership of Punjab and the Sikh community. In a unified voice, district presidents and constituency in-charges of SAD condemned attempts allegedly backed by the BJP and government agencies to destabilize the party.
SAD leaders, including former MP Balwinder Singh Bhunder, former Ministers Daljit Singh Cheema, and Maheshinder Singh Grewal, emphasized that these efforts were aimed at rendering the panth and Punjab leaderless. They accused certain opportunistic elements of acting as puppets of external forces, jeopardizing the interests of the Sikh community and Punjab.
During separate meetings, resolutions were unanimously passed expressing unwavering support for SAD president Sukhbir Badal. The resolutions commended Sukhbir’s steadfast leadership, describing him as clear-headed, far-sighted, and resolute in upholding panthic principles and the interests of Punjab.
“As representatives of the Sikh community, we stand united against these malicious attempts to weaken the Shiromani Akali Dal,” stated the resolutions. They highlighted concerns over BJP-backed initiatives to create dissent within the party and underscored the importance of maintaining party discipline to thwart such divisive efforts.
Sukhbir, addressing the gatherings, reaffirmed his commitment to principled politics and reiterated his refusal to engage in alliances that compromise panthic values or the welfare of Punjab's farmers and marginalized sections. “I cannot allow the SAD to be manipulated for anti-Panthic agendas,” he asserted, urging party members to uphold integrity and unity in the face of adversity.
He also called upon frustrated politicians within the party ranks to take heed from recent political developments in Maharashtra, emphasizing the need for solidarity and adherence to panthic principles above personal ambitions.
In conclusion, the resolutions demanded strict disciplinary action against individuals perceived as colluding with anti-panthic forces and stressed the party's readiness to confront challenges for the greater good of Punjab and the Sikh community.
Bhunder, addressing the meeting following Jalandhar meeting of rebels at Chandigarh, said that differences in democracy are normal and this is not rebellion. Grewal supported Sukhbir’s decision, saying that those, whose resignation is being asked for, have won by a difference of 50,000 votes, while those who have rebelled, they have been losing three times in a row, and thus the resignation is required for them.
“There was a wave in the state in favour and against Modi. The Akali Dal’s fault is that it could not make the people understand where it would stand after winning the elections,” said Bhunder.
