Akal Takht strips Parkash Singh Badal of Fakhr-e-Qaum title
North News
Chandigarh/Amritsar, December 2
The five high Sikh priests, led by Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh, on Monday announced the quantum of ‘tankhah’ (religious punishment) for former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal, and also passed political strictures against him. The Jathedar directed the SAD working committee to accept Sukhbir Badal’s resignation as party president and form a panel to reorganize the party within six months.
The Sikh clergy at the Akal Takht pronounced religious punishment for Sukhbir Singh Badal for the “mistakes” committed by the Shiromani Akali Dal and its government in Punjab from 2007 to 2017, directing him to perform as a ‘sewadar’ at the Golden Temple in Amritsar. The Jathedar further announced to withdrawal the title of ‘Fakhre-e-Qaum’ bestowed upon former Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, father of Sukhbir Badal.
As part of the directive, Badal and his former cabinet colleagues are required to clean toilets, serve in the langar (community kitchen), perform Nitnem (daily prayers), and recite the Sukhmani Sahib. They will also wear placards detailing their acts of penance.
Citing health issues, Badal and senior leader Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa were instructed to serve as gatekeepers at the Golden Temple for two days, dressed in traditional servant attire and holding spears as a gesture of humility.
In addition to it, former Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh, who controversially pardoned Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim allegedly under pressure from the Badals, will have all privileges revoked.
The Takht has directed the recovery of funds spent on Dera-related advertisements, with interest, from leaders including Sukhbir Badal, Sucha Singh Langah, and Daljit Singh Cheema
After two days of service at the Golden Temple, Badal will complete his penance at Sri Kesgarh Sahib, Sri Damdama Sahib, Sri Muktsar Sahib, and Sri Fatehgarh Sahib. His time to hold the spear while seated is scheduled from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM.
Shiromani Akali Dal leader Daljit Singh Cheema, speaking after the verdict, said, “From Day 1, we have said that we will accept the order of Sri Akal Takht Sahib. Whatever order has been given, we have accepted it. We will review the complete order once it is received and make decisions accordingly.”
The decision is part of the Akal Takht’s response to the mistakes made by the SAD and its government during their tenure from 2007 to 2017. Badal had previously been declared “tankhaiya” on August 30 for his role in decisions that allegedly harmed the Sikh community’s image, including the revocation of a blasphemy case against Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim, failure to punish those behind the Bargari sacrilege, and his appointment of controversial officers like Sumedh Singh Saini as Punjab DGP.
Previously, Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh, announcing the verdict, stated, “As Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab and president of the Shiromani Akali Dal, Sukhbir Singh Badal made decisions that severely damaged the image of the Panth and greatly weakened the SAD. Until Sukhbir Singh Badal appears before the Takht Sahib as a humble Sikh to apologize for his offenses, he is declared tankhaiya.”
Badal had appeared before the Akal Takht on July 24, where he submitted a written explanation in response to the allegations, including the mishandling of the Bargari sacrilege and the Kotkapura and Behbal Kalan firing incidents.