The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) began its new membership drive on Monday, as scheduled on January 10. Former SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal renewed his membership by filling out a form at the party office in Badal village.
Sukhbir announced that under the guidance of acting president Balwinder Singh Bhunder, the party officially launched the drive. "Around 40,000 people are expected to join SAD from the Lambi Assembly constituency alone. Overall, we aim to enroll 50 lakh members across the state," he said.
Last Thursday, rebel Akali leader Gurpartap Singh Wadala met Akal Takht Jathedar Raghbir Singh to seek clarity on the oversight of SAD’s new membership drive. Wadala argued that only the seven-member committee formed by the Akal Takht on December 2, 2024, had the authority to manage the membership process.
After the meeting, Wadala claimed that the Jathedar had advised him to consult Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami to resolve the matter.
The Akal Takht’s seven-member committee includes:
- Harjinder Singh Dhami
- Former SGPC president Kirpal Singh Badungar
- SAD leader Iqbal Singh Jhunda
- Rebel leader Gurpartap Singh Wadala
- MLA Manpreet Singh Ayali
- Santa Singh Umaidpur
- Satwant Kaur
Also Read: Multiple Akali streams start flowing in Punjab politics
However, on January 10, the SAD formed its own panel to supervise the membership drive.
SAD leaders, including former minister Daljit Singh Cheema, have argued that implementing the Akal Takht’s committee would risk the party’s recognition by the Election Commission. This, they say, makes it impossible to follow the directive.
Sukhbir’s remarks on HSGPC elections
Commenting on the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (HSGPC) election results, Sukhbir Singh Badal said, "The public has sent a strong message. Those wielding power and interfering in Sikh religious matters will be rejected. Leaders like Baljit Singh Daduwal and others who lost are agents of outside forces. They created divisions within the SGPC and contributed to the formation of the HSGPC. This result makes it clear: religion should be left to its followers to manage without interference."
Also Read: Rebel Akali leader Wadala meets Akal Takht Jathedar
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