The resignation of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief Sukhbir Badal has created a buzz in Punjab’s political corridors. Political analysts are calling it a masterstroke by Sukhbir, as he navigates the challenges posed by internal dissent within the party and external pressures from the Panthic community.
In light of the rising rebellion in SAD and the formation of a separate faction under the banner of “Reform Wave,” Sukhbir appointed his close aide Balwinder Singh Bhundar as the party’s acting president, taking into account the stern stance of the Akal Takht Sahib.
To maintain influence in Panthic politics following his designation as a “Tankhaiya” (a reprimanded individual), Sukhbir pushed the name of his trusted ally, Harjinder Singh Dhami, in the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) elections. Once Dhami became the president, Sukhbir achieved his first strategic objective. Now, with his resignation, Sukhbir has played a calculated move to rescue SAD from political turbulence, rebuild lost ground, and re-establish unity within the Panthic fold.
Challenges from Past Incidents
The Bargari sacrilege incident and the police shootings at Kotkapura and Behbal Kalan during the SAD-BJP government in June 2015 severely impacted the party’s reputation. These events were seen as key factors in the party’s decline in the 2017 and 2022 Punjab Assembly elections. Opposition parties heavily criticized SAD over these incidents, increasing public and political pressure on the party.
Focus on Panthic Unity and Strategy
By stepping down as president, Sukhbir not only curtailed the ambitions of the rebel Reform Wave faction but also addressed criticism of nepotism, authoritarianism, and unilateral politics. According to a political insider close to former Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, Sukhbir now aims to revitalize SAD’s Panthic identity and re-establish it as a regional powerhouse. Speculations suggest this move could also pave the way for a renewed alliance with the BJP.
Cleaning Political Image
Professor Gurmeet Singh, a political expert from Punjab University, highlighted that Sukhbir’s resignation is significant in multiple ways. It is a step towards clearing the allegations of sacrilege and his designation as “Tankhaiya.” Furthermore, since SAD’s identity is deeply rooted in Panthic politics, this move strengthens the party’s traditional base.
Meanwhile, in Punjab’s broader political landscape, the Aam Aadmi Party is considering appointing a new state president, and BJP state chief Sunil Jakhar has already resigned, potentially opening avenues for SAD to regain its strength during this transitional period.
