A major rebellion has erupted within the already faction-ridden Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) over the recent dismissals of two Jathedars by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) after senior SAD leader Bikram Singh Majithia, along with six other party stalwarts, openly challenged the move, sharply criticizing both the SGPC and SAD leadership.

Taking strong note, SAD working president Balwinder Singh Bhundar has accused Majithia of betraying the party and the Badal family, stating that his actions amount to “stabbing in the back”. The intra-party rift on Sunday escalated into a full-blown crisis, with Majithia and his allies facing show-cause notices for alleged “anti-party activities”.

Amid escalating tensions, SAD has referred the matter to its disciplinary committee, which has decided to issue show-cause notices to Majithia and the other dissenting leaders. The decision was taken at a high-level SAD parliamentary board meeting in Chandigarh, attended by Gulzar Singh Ranike, Janmeja Singh Sekhon, Mahesh Inder Singh Grewal, Heera Singh Gabria, and Daljit Singh Cheema.

A statement issued by SAD following the meeting made it clear that any leader making anti-party statements or videos would face strict action.

The controversy stemmed from the removal of Giani Raghbir Singh as Jathedar of Akal Takht and Giani Sultan Singh as Jathedar of Takht Sri Damdama Sahib. The decisions, taken by the SGPC’s executive committee, sparked anger among Sikh clergy, SAD veterans, and a significant section of the Sikh community.

Majithia, along with other senior leaders Sharanjit Singh Dhillon, Lakhbir Singh Lodhinangal, Jodh Singh Samra, Sarabjit Singh Sabi, Ramanpreet Singh Sandhu, and Simarjit Singh Dhillon, released a strongly worded statement on Saturday condemning the SGPC’s action.

“The decision to remove the Jathedars has deeply hurt the sentiments of the Sikh community. This is not just an administrative move but a direct attack on Sikh traditions and religious institutions,” said Majithia.

He further stated that the SGPC leadership should have consulted the Sikh sangat before making such a sensitive decision, emphasizing that “religion and religious institutions should be free from political interference”.

The bold defiance by Majithia and his supporters has put them on a collision course with SAD’s top leadership, which sees this as a challenge to its authority.

Reacting sharply to the revolt, SAD’s working president Balwinder Singh Bhundar issued a scathing statement against Majithia, accusing him of turning against the party leadership when it needed him the most. “Bikram Majithia has benefited from the SAD and the Badal family all his life. He was raised under the care of Harsimrat Kaur Badal and received full support from Sukhbir Singh Badal. But today, when the party is going through a challenging phase, instead of standing with us, he has chosen to betray us,” said Bhundar.

He added that disciplinary action was imminent, and Majithia, along with other dissenting leaders, would have to explain their actions. “No individual is above the party. SAD will not tolerate indiscipline. Everyone has the right to express their opinion within the party forum, but violating party discipline will invite strict action,” Bhundar warned. 

The ouster of Giani Raghbir Singh and Giani Sultan Singh has not only sparked political discord but has also caused deep resentment among Sikh religious circles. Speaking for the first time after his removal, Giani Raghbir Singh expressed disappointment, stating that the decision was unjust and had hurt Sikh sentiments. He emphasized that “the sanctity and dignity of the takhts (temporal seats) should be preserved at all costs”.