SAD, rebel faction hold parallel shows on Tohra’s 100th birth anniv, trade barbs

The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and its breakaway faction, the SAD Sudhar Lehar, held separate events to commemorate the 100th birth anniversary of Akali leader Jathedar Gurcharan Singh Tohra, with both sides taking jibes at one another. Both factions emphasised the importance of adopting Tohra’s philosophy and spirit of sacrifice for the Sikh Panth, but each accused the other of causing division within the Sikh community.

Akali stalwart’s legacy

• Born on September 24, 1924, in a modest Jat-Sikh farmer family in Patiala, Gurcharan Singh Tohra became a major figure in Sikh politics. His political journey began in 1944 with his participation in the Akali Morcha
• He was first elected to the SGPC in 1960 and became its president in 1973. Serving for over 27 years, he remains the longest-serving SGPC president, is known for his influence in both religious and political affairs in the Sikh community
• Despite a political rift with Parkash Singh Badal in 1999, Tohra returned as SGPC president before his death in 2004

At the SAD event, held at Dukhniwaran Sahib, working president Balwinder Singh Bhunder praised Tohra’s dedication to the Sikh cause, noting that all his actions were aimed at benefiting the Sikh community. Bhunder urged all Akali factions, including the Sudhar Lehar, to unite in opposition to the Union Government, instead of fighting amongst themselves, arguing that unity was crucial for securing Sikh rights.

SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami dismissed any controversy over the SGPC’s decision to organise the event. He explained that the SGPC’s executive committee had taken the decision in alignment with the sentiments of the Sikh community. The SAD event was also attended by notable leaders such as Maheshinder Singh Grewal, Iqbal Singh Jhundan and Gurcharan Singh Grewal.

In parallel, the SAD Sudhar Lehar held their gathering in Tohra’s native village, where Tohra’s adopted daughter Kuldeep Kaur Tohra and her family were present. Leaders such as Bibi Jagir Kaur and Prem Singh Chandumajra criticised SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal, accusing him of harming the image of the Sikh Panth. They pointed out the irony of celebrating Tohra’s legacy of devotion to Sikhism while the SAD was led by someone they deemed “tankhaiya” (guilty of violating Sikh religious code).

SAD Sudhar Lehar convener Gurpartap Wadala emphasised the need to restore panthic values within the Akali Dal, calling for a leader who embodies Sikh principles. He appealed to the Akal Takht Jathedar to facilitate the reunification of panthic leaders, arguing that SAD’s recent struggles were caused by the actions of certain individuals, and the party must be brought back on track.