Leaders associated with the rebel faction of the Shiromani Akali Dal have declared Giani Harpreet Singh, the former Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, as their president. This breakaway group is expected to soon approach the Election Commission of India to stake a claim to the party’s leadership.
The split stems from disagreements following the declaration of Sukhbir Badal as a ‘tankhaiya’ (one who has committed a religious offense) by Sri Akal Takht Sahib. While the Akal Takht had instructed a five-member committee to oversee a fresh membership drive and select the next president, the Shiromani Akali Dal disregarded the committee, initiated its own membership campaign, and declared Sukhbir Badal as the party president.