 |
|
The Akal Takht, the supreme temporal seat of the Sikhs, has declared Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal as 'tankhaiya,' meaning guilty of violating the Sikh religious code. This decision stems from the Akal Takht's judgment that Badal's actions during his tenure as deputy chief minister and party chief from 2007 to 2017 have negatively impacted the Sikh community and the party. The Akal Takht's head priest, Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh, has ordered Badal to appear before the Akal Takht within 15 days to seek forgiveness for his 'sins.'
The Akal Takht has specifically cited the 'mistakes' made during Badal's tenure, including the incidents of theft of a 'bir' of the Guru Granth Sahib and the posting of sacrilegious posters at Bargari in Faridkot in 2015. The subsequent protests and police firing that resulted in the deaths of two individuals had severe repercussions for the Akali Dal, contributing to their decline in the 2017 and 2022 state polls. Notably, the Jathedar did not provide further details regarding the specific 'mistakes' attributed to Badal.
Badal, in a statement on X, acknowledged the Akal Takht's command and expressed his willingness to seek forgiveness. This declaration marks a significant turning point in Badal's political career, as being labeled 'tankhaiya' traditionally comes with social and political ostracization within the Sikh community. A person declared 'tankhaiya' by the Akal Takht is typically considered excommunicated until they complete atonement as per the Akal Takht's directives. Badal's situation mirrors that of several past political figures, including former President Giani Zail Singh, former Punjab CM Surjit Singh Barnala, and former Union Minister Buta Singh, all of whom were declared 'tankhaiya' and experienced subsequent challenges in their political careers.
The Akal Takht's decision comes amidst internal strife within the Akali Dal, with several rebel leaders calling for Badal's resignation. These leaders had previously appeared before the Akal Takht in July 2023, expressing remorse for the 'four mistakes' committed during the Akali Dal's time in power. These mistakes included the failure to punish those responsible for the 2015 sacrilege incidents, the police firing at Behbal Kalan, pardoning Dera Sacha Sauda chief in a blasphemy case, and appointing certain police officers, including Sumedh Singh Saini as Punjab Police chief.
It remains to be seen how the Akal Takht's declaration will impact Badal's political future and the internal dynamics of the Shiromani Akali Dal. The Akal Takht's pronouncements carry significant weight within the Sikh community, and Badal's ability to appease the Akal Takht and maintain his position within the party will be crucial in navigating this challenging period.
Source: Akal Takht declares Sukhbir a tankhaiya for his ‘mistakes’ as Punjab Deputy CM, SAD chief