Amritsar (Punjab), 3 December, 2024
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Singh Badal arrived at the Golden Temple in Amritsar on Tuesday, wearing a plaque around his neck to carry out the religious punishment directed by Sri Akal Takht Sahib.
On Monday, the Sikh clergy at the Akal Takht had instructed Sukhbir Badal to act as a ‘sewadar’, performing tasks such as washing dishes and cleaning shoes at the Golden Temple.
The directive was pronounced by Giani Raghbir Singh, Jathedar of the Akal Takht, from the ‘faseel’ (podium) in Amritsar. He also announced the withdrawal of the title ‘Fakhre-e-Qaum’ previously bestowed upon Sukhbir Badal’s father, former Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal, who passed away in April last year.
Additionally, the Jathedar instructed the Shiromani Akali Dal’s working committee to accept Sukhbir Badal’s resignation as party president and form a committee to organize elections for the party’s leadership within six months.
The five Sikh clergy, known as the ‘Singh Sahibans,’ also issued religious punishments to other SAD leaders who served as ministers or were part of the core committee during the party’s governance from 2007 to 2017.
As part of their punishment, both Sukhbir Badal and rebel leader Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa were ordered to sit outside the Golden Temple dressed as ‘sewadars,’ holding a spear, for one hour each for two days. They were also directed to wear small boards around their necks acknowledging their “misdeeds” and perform similar duties at Takht Kesgarh Sahib, Takht Damdama Sahib, Darbar Sahib at Muktsar, and Fatehgarh Sahib for two days each.
At the Golden Temple, they were tasked with cleaning utensils and shoes for one hour daily and listening to ‘kirtan.’ Sukhbir Badal arrived in a wheelchair due to a fractured leg, while Sukhdev Dhindsa participated despite age-related issues.
Before the edict was announced, Sukhbir Badal admitted to several mistakes, including his role in pardoning Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in a 2007 blasphemy case during the SAD’s rule in Punjab.
This punishment followed the Akal Takht’s declaration of Sukhbir Badal as ‘tankhaiya’ (guilty of religious misconduct) nearly three months ago.
Other Akali leaders, including Sucha Singh Langah, Hira Singh Gabria, Balwinder Singh Bhundar, Daljit Singh Cheema, and Gulzar Singh Ranike, were also directed to clean washrooms at the Golden Temple from 12 noon to 1 pm on December 3, after which they were to clean utensils in the community kitchen following a ritual bath. They were also instructed to listen to ‘kirtan’ for one hour.
About The Author
