Rebel leaders criticise SAD leadership

Jalandhar, July 6

Rebel leaders of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) convened here today, expressing sharp criticism of the party’s top brass, including president Sukhbir Badal.

The dissenting faction, which included Bibi Jagir Kaur, Gurpratap Wadala and others, voiced concerns over several instances of indiscipline and deviations from party policies by the leadership.

They said SAD leaders, led by Sukhbir Badal, disrespected the party’s symbol by extending support to the BSP for the Jalandhar West bypoll. According to the rebels, this move has turned the party into a subject of public ridicule and caused significant embarrassment among its members and supporters.

The rebel leaders claimed that they have sought forgiveness from the Akal Takht for the mistakes made during the SAD’s tenure in power. In the 2007 incident involving Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim, the rebel leaders accused the SAD government under then Home Minister Sukhbir Badal of mishandling the situation and withdrawing the case filed against Ram Rahim.

They further criticised Sukhbir Badal’s handling of the Bargari sacrilege case and the subsequent police firings at Kotkapura and Behbal Kalan. They alleged that Sukhbir failed to investigate the 2015 theft of pages from the Guru Granth Sahib and the incidents that followed, which led to significant unrest in Punjab.

“It is time for the SAD to prioritise Punjab and its people above all,” the rebel leaders stated, calling for a change in the party’s direction.