Ex-SAD minister Surjit Singh Rakhra submits reply to Akal Takht

Former minister in SAD Cabinet, Surjit Singh Rakhra, appeared before Akal Takht on Friday to submit his reply. He was among 17 Sikh ministers — part of the Cabinet between 2007 and 2017 — who were directed to explain their stance with regard to certain contentious decisions taken by the government.

Unlike others, Rakhra and another former minister, Dr Upinderjit Kaur, had sought exemption from physical presence. While Rakhra was abroad, Dr Kaur had cited health concerns. They had submitted their clarification through email before the September 14 deadline.

On his return, Rakhra appeared in person, saying all Sikhs had to abide by the directions of Akal Takht. “When Akal Takht pronounced ‘hukum’ on August 30, I was abroad. I had apprised the jathedar over the phone about it and sought exemption for some time. After I returned, I am here to submit my reply in writing and have committed to the jathedar ‘saheb’ that whatever decision is pronounced, I would accept it unconditionally,” he said.

Rakhra had served as Minister for Water Supply and Sanitation, Higher Education and Languages in the then government led by Parkash Singh Badal.

He had switched his allegiance to a group of Akali leaders who had approached Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh with their “admission of guilt” for being part of the government when “mistakes” were committed by the party headed by Sukhbir Singh Badal.

He said they were compelled to approach Akal Takht after the party’s graph diminished due to the contentious decisions. “We came to Akal Takht after the ‘lok’ (people) did not accept us. We have also admitted before Takht that we were guilty of being mute spectators and sought penance,” he said.

An official of Takht secretariat said they had received explanations from all Sikh ministers and a five high priests’ meeting would be scheduled by the Akal Takht Jathedar.