Sukhbir Badal Undertakes Religious Punishment at Golden Temple

SAD leader Sukhbir Singh Badal undertook religious punishment at the Golden Temple for past governance mistakes. Declared 'tankhaiya' by the Akal Takht, Badal performed ‘sewa’ alongside other leaders. The Akal Takht also revoked his late father's honorific title and directed SAD to elect new leaders within six months.

Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Singh Badal, along with other party members, complied with religious punishment at the Golden Temple in Amritsar on Tuesday. This action followed a pronouncement by Sri Akal Takht Sahib, the highest temporal authority in Sikhism, addressing alleged misdeeds during the SAD government tenure from 2007 to 2017.

Badal, seated in a wheelchair due to a fractured leg, wore a plaque acknowledging his transgressions and held a spear, symbolizing his penitence. The ‘tankhah’ required him and other implicated leaders to perform voluntary service, or ‘sewa’, including washing dishes and cleaning devotees’ shoes.

The edict came after the Akal Takht had previously declared Badal ‘tankhaiya’ (guilty of religious misconduct). The Jathedar of Akal Takht, Giani Raghbir Singh, also ordered the revocation of the honorific title 'Fakhre-e-Qaum' bestowed on Sukhbir’s late father, Parkash Singh Badal, a five-time Punjab Chief Minister.

Moreover, the Sikh clergy instructed the SAD working committee to accept Sukhbir Badal's resignation as party president and organize internal elections within six months. These developments underscore the growing internal and external pressures faced by the party in the aftermath of its controversial governance and recent political challenges.

Also Read: UP Woman Dies of Electrocution While Unplugging Phone

This rare public demonstration of penitence highlights the importance of accountability within Sikh traditions. It also signals a critical juncture for the SAD as it seeks to address internal dissent and regain credibility in Punjab’s political landscape.