Right now the ‘panthic’ politics in Punjab is going through a deep churning. At least three Akali streams are flowing in Punjab’s panthic politics. These include the traditional Shiromani Akali Dal, the ‘Sudhar Lehar’ (a group of Akali rebels) and the newly formed ‘Shiromani Akali Dal Waris Punjab De’ formed by supporters of detained MP Amritpal Singh.
It is ironic that the political conference organised by the Shiromani Akali Dal at Mukstar Sahib to mark the ‘Maghi-mela’ did not have any MP or an MLA present. The party right now has just one MP, Ms Harsimrat Kaur Badal from Bathinda and two MLAs. None of them attended the conference.
While Ms Badal’s absence is understandable as the Badals’ daughter is getting married and celebrations are going on in the house. The two MLAs Manpreet Singh Ayali and Ms Ganieve Majithia, the wife of Bikram Singh Majithia, were also conspicuous by their absence. Even Majithia himself was not present. Wedding celebrations of his niece aside, he could still have attended the political conference.
These are some of the indicators of the uncertainties that the Shiromani Akali Dal is facing. Majithia’s absence was too conspicuous to be missed. However, this is not to suggest that he has any political differences with his brother-in-law Sukhbir Singh Badal. He remains committed to Sukhbir. But during the recent crisis, Majithia has maintained caution while commenting on various issues.
Given the mood at the ‘Maghi-mela’ today, Sukhbir’s hold over the party continues to dominate. The SAD may be a pale shadow of its past, but whatever cadre is left, swore allegiance to Sukhbir. The crowds at the SAD political conference were reasonably good in number. The venue was filled beyond its capacity. The gathering was impressive and impactful, enough to boost the morale of Badal, who no longer holds any post position in the party.
During the conference, the party leaders sang paeans to his leadership praising his capabilities. One of the former party legislators Rozy Barkandi went to the extent of declaring Sukhbir to be the next Chief Minister of Punjab with crowds reacting with cheers and applause. This is obvious that right now there is no other leader who can match Sukhbir’s influence among the Akali rank and file.
At another venue in the ‘Maghi-mela’ another party, ‘Shiromani Akali Dal Waris Punjab De’ (SADWPD) was announced. The party has been formed by the supporters of the jailed MP from Khadoor Sahib, Amritpal Singh. He is being supported by another independent MP from Faridkot Sarbjit Singh. Sarbjit Singh is the son of Beant Singh, one of the assassins of Prime Minister Ms Indira Gandhi.
Although there were expectations of a large presence of people at this political conference, the actual presence was far less. People were expected to be present in big numbers more out of curiosity than for any ideological inclinations. However, the show was far less than what it had been widely expected to be. The party leaders spoke along expected lines without making any controversial statements.
While it is too early to predict what turn and course the ‘panthic’ politics will take in Punjab, it certainly is not going to be radical or extremist in any way. People may have voted for Amritpal and Sarbjit in Khadoor Sahib and Faridkot during the parliamentary elections to give vent to their anger, but none of them appear to have retained the same support base. This is apparently because people sometimes vote out of frustration.
But over a period, when the reality sinks in, people turn pragmatic and practical about the political path they adopt.
People of Punjab in general and the panthic supporters in particular were offered two streams of Akali politics today; one the traditional Shiromani Akali Dal and the other, Shiromani Akali Dal Waris Punjab De. Despite lots and lots of grievances against the traditional Akali Dal, still many people preferred to walk with the tradition as compared to the newly formed party.
In all likelihood, the SADWPD will be contesting the elections also as two main party leaders, Amritpal and Sarbjit are elected MPs. The Punjab assembly elections are still more than two years away. It may not be so easy to carry on the parliamentary mantle till then. Moreover, the assembly elections take a lot of things to fight, particularly the grassroots cadre. These elections are not won on emotional issues, which do not have any lasting shelf life.
Then there is another group of “rebel” Akali leaders from the Shiromani Akali Dal, who revolted against Sukhbir Badal. The group describes itself as the ‘Sudhar Lehar’ (reform movement) and has veterans like Bibi Jagir Kaur, Gurpartap Singh Wadala, Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, Prem Singh Chandumajra and others in it. For them, returning to the mainstream Akali Dal can still be possible, but most of them will find it impossible to go along with the SADWPD.
As the churn continues and the fluid situation crystallizes to a certain degree, there will be more clarity about the turn the panthic politics will take in Punjab. And in all likelihood, it will certainly not be a radical or an extremist turn.
People may have so many grievances and issues with the traditional Shiromani Akali Dal, but they still have a soft corner for the Grand Old Party of Punjab and the panth.
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