Amidst a wave of public and political scrutiny, the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal issued an unconditional apology to the Sikh community’s supreme temporal seat — the Akal Takht Sahib. The apology comes in response to a series of serious allegations made by the ‘rebel’ leaders within the Akali Dal, concerning controversial decisions and incidents during the party’s government in Punjab from 2007 to 2017.
The Akal Takht Sahib on Monday made public Sukhbir’s letter, addressed to Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh, where the SAD chief sought forgiveness for all the transgressions alleged by the ‘rebel’ faction, including favouring Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim, influencing the Akal Takht, and appointing Sumedh Saini as the Punjab Director General of Police (DGP).
Without directly mentioning specific allegations, Sukhbir’s letter expressed his submission to the Guru and the Sikh community, acknowledging the mistakes made during the SAD-led Government’s tenure. “I am a humble servant of the Guru’s house…I have always been dedicated to Sri Guru Granth Sahib and Sri Akal Takht Sahib. Without any questions or answers, I sincerely pray to Waheguru,” he said in the letter,
On July 1, the ‘rebel’ SAD leaders, including former Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Bibi Jagir Kaur, former MP Prem Singh Chandumajra, and senior leaders Gurpratap Wadala and Surjit Singh Rakhra, had appeared before the Akal Takht Jathedar to apologize for their roles in the perceived mismanagement and controversies during the SAD Government. Acting on the rebels’ letter, the Akal Takht Jathedar summoned Sukhbir, leading to his visit to the Sri Akal Takht Sahib on July 25 to submit his response.
In his letter, Sukhbir Badal took full responsibility for the actions and decisions of the party and government during his leadership, whether done knowingly or unknowingly. He emphasized his commitment to accepting any directives from the Akal Takht Sahib and adhering to Gurmat traditions with humility.
“…Whatever has been written against us, I present myself before the great throne of the Guru, seeking unconditional forgiveness from Guru Sahib and the Guru Panth. As the head of the family, I take all the mistakes upon myself. Whether these mistakes are from the party or the government, I am seeking forgiveness for all these mistakes and shortcomings, whether done knowingly or unknowingly. Every command issued by Sri Akal Takht Sahib in accordance with Gurmat traditions will be accepted by me and my companions with humility,” read Sukhbir’s letter.
The rebel group’s letter to the Akal Takht highlighted several key issues — pointing out that during the SAD Government, a significant section of the Sikh panth and Punjab’s populace grew disillusioned with the party’s leadership. This dissatisfaction was attributed to multiple incidents, including the contentious favouring of Sirsa-based Dera Sacha Sauda head Gurmeet Ram Rahim.
Notably, in 2007, Ram Rahim impersonated Sikhs’ tenth master Sri Guru Gobind Singh, which led to a police case that was later withdrawn by the SAD Government. Despite the Akal Takht Sahib excommunicating Ram Rahim, Sukhbir allegedly used his influence to secure a pardon for the Dera chief allegedly to gain political interest.
Furthermore, the rebels accused the SAD Government of making egregious mistakes, such as appointing Sumedh Saini — an officer notorious for fake police encounters that resulted in the martyrdom of Sikh youths — as the Punjab Police chief. Additionally, the party gave a political ticket to the wife of another controversial officer and appointed her as a chief parliamentary secretary. The rebels lamented that the SAD Government failed to conduct impartial investigations into fake police encounters or provide relief to victims despite promises made to the public.
In his apology, Sukhbir underscored his dedication to the Guru and the Sikh Panth. He expressed deep remorse for the actions and decisions that led to public and religious dissatisfaction. The letter also included a reference to his father, former Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, and his own contributions to the party's legacy.
As the Akal Takht Sahib deliberates on Sukhbir Badal's apology, the Sikh community and political observers keenly await the outcome. The apology marked a significant moment in Punjab's political landscape, reflecting an attempt by the SAD leadership to reconcile with the community and address past grievances.
The public disclosure of the apology letter by the Akal Takht Sahib secretary Sukhdev Singh highlighted the ongoing demand from the Sikh community for transparency and accountability. The secretary announced that the final decision on the matter would be taken in a meeting of the five Singh Sahibans — the highest authority — at the Akal Takht Sahib.