New Delhi: Sukhbir Singh Badal has stepped down as president of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), the move was confirmed on Saturday by senior party leader Dr Daljit Singh Cheema. This decision marks the end of his tenure as the leader of Punjab’s oldest political party, paving the way for the election of a new party chief. Dr Cheema announced the development on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “Sukhbir Singh Badal has submitted his resignation to the party’s working committee to enable the democratic process of electing a new president. He expressed gratitude to all party leaders and workers for their support and cooperation throughout his leadership.”
Cheema added that, as per the party’s constitution, presidential elections are held every five years, and the current tenure concludes in December. The SAD working committee is scheduled to meet on 18 November to discuss the resignation and finalise the roadmap for the leadership election. The resignation follows major internal dissent and criticism of Badal’s leadership.
Akal Takht declared him ‘tankhaiya’
The Akal Takht, the supreme temporal authority of Sikhs, declared him ‘tankhaiya’ (guilty of religious misconduct) in August. This declaration stemmed from alleged missteps during the SAD-led government between 2007 and 2017. Despite Badal’s public request for the Akal Takht to pronounce his religious punishment, no formal ‘tankhah’ (penalty) has been issued.
Earlier this year, a faction of party leaders revolted against Badal’s leadership, citing dissatisfaction with his handling of critical issues and the party’s poor electoral performance. Figures such as Prem Singh Chandumajra and Bibi Jagir Kaur voiced concerns over SAD’s weakened position, calling for urgent reforms to reinvigorate the party.
Chandumajra welcomes Badal’s resignation
“We were demanding his resignation as SAD has weakened under his presidentship. Our youths are in jail, farming isn’t doing well and our part of Chandigarh is being given to Haryana. Punjab is in a bad state now and the people here want any regional party like Akali Dal to strengthen. Today, after his resignation, a way has opened to integrate the power of Akali Dal,” said Chandumajra on Badal’s resignation while talking to news agency ANI.
In July, the SAD dissolved its core committee, a decision seen as a response to the growing dissent. Dr Cheema had announced plans to reorganise the committee to address the party’s structural issues. However, critics argued this was insufficient to address broader concerns about leadership and strategy. While Badal’s resignation has been welcomed by some as an opportunity for renewal, others, including his wife and SAD MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal, have denounced attempts to undermine the party. She accused external forces of trying to weaken SAD, stating, “Certain elements are conspiring against the Akali Dal. The party remains united and committed to its mission.”
