New Delhi: In a striking display of accountability, Sukhbir Singh Badal, president of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), was seen in a wheelchair at the Golden Temple in Amritsar on Tuesday morning, fulfilling a religious punishment known as ‘tankhah.’
This act of contrition follows a ruling issued by Sri Akal Takht Sahib, which pronounced the punishment for Badal and other party leaders due to their governance from 2007 to 2017.
The Sikh clergy, led by Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh, directed Badal to perform the role of a ‘sewadar’, a volunteer service position, at the Golden Temple. As part of this punishment, he was required to wash dishes and clean shoes for two days at the Golden Temple and other significant Sikh shrines, including Takht Kesgarh Sahib and Fatehgarh Sahib.
Punjab: Shiromani Akali Dal President Sukhbir Singh Badal sits by the gate at Golden Temple in Amritsar with a plaque around his neck and spear in his hand as one of the religious punishments pronounced for him by Sri Akal Takht Sahib yesterday. https://t.co/NNC4BR0sWt pic.twitter.com/9A1VhO3Bte
— ANI (@ANI) December 3, 2024
Additionally, he wore a plaque around his neck acknowledging his “misdeeds,” which included controversial decisions made during his tenure.
The religious punishment was pronounced following a series of admissions by Badal regarding past mistakes, notably the controversial pardon granted to Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in a blasphemy case in 2007. The Jathedar also withdrew the title of ‘Fakhre-e-Qaum’ from Badal’s late father, Parkash Singh Badal, who served as Punjab’s chief minister for five terms before his passing in April 2023.
Rebel leader Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa also joined Badal in this act of punishment, as both leaders faced their respective health challenges, Badal with a fractured leg and Dhindsa with age-related issues. They were tasked with holding a spear and sitting outside the Golden Temple for one hour each over two consecutive days while listening to ‘kirtan,’ the Sikh devotional music.
The Akal Takht’s ruling extends beyond Badal, as other former ministers from the Akali Cabinet during the same period are also facing similar religious penalties. Giani Raghbir Singh emphasised the need for accountability within the party and directed its working committee to accept Badal’s resignation as party chief, urging the formation of a new committee to oversee elections for leadership positions within six months.
