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The political career of Sukhbir Singh Badal, former president of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), has taken a dramatic turn. From leading the party to victory in the 2012 Punjab Assembly elections to becoming the target of an assassination attempt while fulfilling a religious penance imposed by the Akal Takht, Badal's trajectory reflects the tumultuous state of Punjab's political landscape. The attempted assassination, carried out by a former militant, Narain Singh Chaura, has reignited memories of the state's violent past and the lasting impact of militancy. The incident underscores the deep-seated discontent towards Badal and the SAD, stemming from various issues including sacrilege incidents, drug abuse, unemployment, agrarian distress, and allegations of corruption. These issues contributed significantly to the party's decline, culminating in a devastating defeat in the 2017 and 2022 Assembly elections.
The SAD's downfall has been gradual but significant. Once a powerful regional player instrumental in establishing peace after the turbulent 1980s and forming alliances with the BJP, the party has suffered a series of electoral setbacks. The 2017 election saw the Congress's return to power, with the SAD securing only 15 seats out of 117. The subsequent 2022 election resulted in an even more catastrophic defeat, with the SAD winning only 3 seats out of 117, a stark contrast to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)'s landslide victory of 92 seats. This electoral decline has been further exacerbated by the party's poor performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, winning only one seat compared to the Congress's seven and the AAP's three. Internal divisions within the party have only deepened the crisis, leading to calls for Sukhbir Badal's removal from the party leadership.
Amidst this ongoing crisis, the Akal Takht, the highest temporal seat of Sikhs, intervened, issuing a strong verdict against the SAD and Sukhbir Badal. The Akal Takht declared the SAD unfit to govern Punjab and imposed various religious punishments on Badal and other former ministers. The decision also directed the SAD to undergo a complete reorganization, including a membership drive and internal elections. This intervention has been interpreted differently. While some see it as an opportunity for the SAD to rebuild its image and reconnect with its grassroots supporters, others consider it a superficial attempt to address the deeper issues plaguing the party. The response to the Akal Takht’s decision has been mixed, with some expressing public satisfaction and hoping for forgiveness for Badal and the party, while others are concerned about the potential shift towards a stricter panthic agenda, which might alienate a significant part of the SAD's diverse voter base.
The assassination attempt against Sukhbir Badal, occurring in the wake of the Akal Takht’s verdict, has heightened tensions and revived concerns about a resurgence of militancy in Punjab. The decline of the SAD, once a moderating force in Sikh politics, has coincided with the rise of radical figures like Amritpal Singh, further complicating the already volatile political climate. The Akal Takht’s intervention in the internal affairs of the SAD presents both opportunities and risks. While it might provide a pathway for the party to reform and reclaim its moderate stance, there is also the risk of a return to a hardline panthic agenda that could alienate its diverse electorate. The future of the SAD and Sukhbir Badal's role within the party remain uncertain, with upcoming organizational elections poised to determine the party’s leadership and direction. The outcome will significantly impact the political landscape of Punjab and its complex interplay between religion, politics, and the legacy of militancy.
Source: Akal Takht punishment to assassination bid, pendulum swings again for Sukhbir Badal