Chandigarh: In a significant development in Punjab’s Panthak politics, the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) formed under the aegis of Sri Akal Takht has split.
The recruitment committee of the Akal Takht has announced the formation of a new Panthak party, appointing former Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh as its leader. Bibi Satwant Kaur has been named chairperson of the Panthak Committee.
The five-member committee has created both a new sect and a separate political faction. While Giani Harpreet Singh will head the political wing, Bibi Satwant Kaur will oversee the Panthak Committee. Both bodies will function independently of each other.
These newly formed factions will operate parallel to Sukhbir Singh Badal’s Shiromani Akali Dal and the Panthak Shiromani Gurdwara Management Committee (SGPC).
Sources indicated that Sukhbir Badal’s political troubles could intensify with Giani Harpreet Singh taking charge of the new party.
The breakaway faction plans to register itself as the “real” Akali Dal with the Election Commission by adopting SAD’s constitution, posing a direct challenge to the Sukhbir-led party.
The Akali Dal (Badal) has criticised the move, saying that mixing religion with politics would go against the Constitution and could undermine their principles.
