In a surprise move, Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar, has appealed to the Akal Takht to safeguard the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), the second oldest political party of the country which is staying away from the November 20 bypolls.
Speaking about SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal, who was declared tankhaiya (guilty of religious misconduct) by the Akal Takht on August 30 for actions during the 2007-2017 SAD-BJP government, Jakhar took to X, calling for a balance between reprimanding individuals and safeguarding the Panthic party’s future.
In a long post on X, Jakhar who had fuelled speculations of his resignation when he stopped appearing at party events in September, appealed to the Jathedar of Akal Takht Sahib, saying, “As a Punjabi, I believe the Akali Dal is as important to Punjab today as it was in 1920 (when it was founded). Therefore, I respectfully appeal to our highest religious authority, Sri Akal Takht Sahib, to ensure that the guilty individuals acknowledge their mistakes and face appropriate reprimands. However, while implementing punishment, it is essential to protect the Panthic party. We must treat the illness without losing the patient. If our respected Jathedars of the five Takhts provide guidance during these challenging times and use their authority to bring together those who need improvement with those who desire it, it would benefit both the Panth and Punjab. A strong regional party is and will remain a necessity for Punjab. Despite any political differences, I have always advocated for preserving this Panthic party in the interest of Punjab.”
Without directly naming them, Jakhar hinted at a possible unity between SAD (B) and its splinter group Akali Dal Sudhar Lehar, which was formed in July after several senior Akali leaders left SAD.
Notably, while Sukhbir was declared “tankhaiya” on August 30, his “tankhah” (punishment) is yet to be announced. Due to his status as tankhaiya, he is barred from political activities, leading SAD to opt out of contesting the current bypolls.
On X, Jakhar further questioned, “Why has the status of the Shiromani Akali Dal, the representative of the Sikh Panth, declined so severely? Why is the future of the Shiromani Akali Dal and its president so intertwined that, due to imposed reprimands (tankhah), the party lacks the courage to contest even the by-elections in its stronghold? While it’s essential to examine the reasons behind this, it is also a bitter truth that serious mistakes were made in the past. Those responsible for these transgressions must face realization and appropriate penalties (tankhah). However, in deciding the nature and severity of these penalties, it must be remembered that this will impact not just a few individuals but also the future of the second-oldest political party in the country, which represents the Sikh Panth.”
Jakhar indirectly referred to Dera Sacha Sauda chief, currently lodged in Sunaria Jail, suggesting that what British rulers and corrupt leaders could not achieve-a split in the Panthic party-has been caused by this individual. Jakhar, who has so far stayed away from active campaigning in the bypolls, took many by surprise when he suddenly took to the social media, on Thursday.
