Former SGPC Chief Issues Ultimatum: No Compromise in SAD Until Sukhbir Badal Resigns
In a significant development within Punjab's political landscape, Giani Harpreet Singh, the president of Shiromani Akali Dal (Punj Surjit) and former chief of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), declared on Thursday that there can be no compromise or reconciliation within the Shiromani Akali Dal as long as Sukhbir Singh Badal remains its president. This firm stance underscores deep-seated divisions within the party, highlighting a clash of principles over leadership.
Reaction to Majithia's Unity Call
Harpreet Singh's statement came in direct response to remarks made by Bikram Singh Majithia, a former minister and senior SAD leader, who was recently released from jail. Majithia had expressed intentions to unite all Akali leaders, aiming to foster cohesion within the faction-ridden party. While Harpreet Singh acknowledged Majithia's efforts, he emphasized that any compromise must be grounded in principles rather than personal opinions.
"We welcome Majithia's statement, but we cannot proceed with it until Sukhbir is SAD president," Harpreet Singh asserted. "He violated the Akal Takht's December 2, 2024, edict, and under my presidency, there will be no compromise. We may only move forward if he resigns." This reference to the Akal Takht, the highest temporal seat of Sikh authority, adds a religious dimension to the political dispute, suggesting that Sukhbir Badal's actions have transgressed Sikh tenets.
Allegations of Corruption in SGPC Land Deal
Beyond the leadership issue, Harpreet Singh raised serious allegations of corruption involving SGPC properties. He detailed a case where 44 marlas of land in Shehnimajra village, part of Gurdwara Amb Sahib and worth crores of rupees, were allegedly sold for scrap prices. According to him, this fraudulent transaction was orchestrated by manager Rajinder Singh in collusion with senior SGPC officials.
"Every Sikh is hurt by this," Harpreet Singh lamented. He accused the SGPC committee of planning to give a clean chit to those involved, calling for stringent action. "Action should be taken against the official who authorized the manager, and a case should be registered against them," he insisted, noting that only manager Rajinder Singh had been suspended so far.
Broader Accusations Against SGPC Leadership
Expanding on his critique, Harpreet Singh linked the land scam to broader issues of corruption within the SGPC. He pointed out that SGPC chief Harjinder Singh Dhami had previously admitted to such scams, drawing parallels with the Punjab government's alleged sale of public lands for personal gain. "Some corrupt officials in the SGPC have started selling lands donated to gurdwaras to fill their own pockets," he charged, urging Dhami to conduct an impartial investigation.
Additionally, Harpreet Singh highlighted financial discrepancies involving the PTC channel, which had an agreement to pay SGPC for live Gurbani telecasts. He revealed that no payments were made to the education fund in the budget reports for 2023-24, 2024-25, and 2025-26. "I ask his commander Sukhbir Badal why PTC has not deposited the money till now," he stated, referencing Dhami's self-proclaimed loyalty to Sukhbir Badal.
Implications for SAD's Future
This ultimatum from Harpreet Singh poses significant challenges for the Shiromani Akali Dal, a key player in Punjab politics. The demand for Sukhbir Badal's resignation as a precondition for unity could deepen existing rifts, potentially leading to further fragmentation within the party. As the SAD grapples with internal strife and corruption allegations, the path forward remains uncertain, with Harpreet Singh's principled stand setting the stage for a protracted political battle.
The developments underscore the complex interplay of religion, politics, and governance in Punjab, where issues of leadership integrity and institutional accountability continue to dominate public discourse. Stakeholders will be closely watching how Sukhbir Badal and other SAD leaders respond to these demands, as the party seeks to navigate its future in a turbulent political environment.
