The Akali Dal Sudhar Lahar was officially disbanded on Monday, with its leaders expressing their readiness to rejoin the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) following the directives of Shri Akal Takht Sahib. However, SGPC Chairman Harjinder Singh Dhami has expressed concern about technical challenges in implementing the directive, potentially complicating the restructuring process.
Earlier this year, dissidents held the last meeting of Sudhar Lahar in Amritsar, demanding the resignation of SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal. The leaders decided to disband a group created to advocate for reforms within the SAD’s organizational structure. The movement gained momentum after Akal Takht Jathedar Raghbir Singh recently launched a six-month membership drive to disband and restructure the SAD and elect new office bearers.
Dhami, tasked with overseeing the reorganization, acknowledged the challenges posed by the Election Commission of India (ECI) guidelines. “There are some technical issues with the instructions given by Mr. Akal Takht Sahib. We have discussed these concerns internally and informed the Jathedar Sahib. ECI guidelines for recognized political parties should be considered. Legal advice should also be sought to ensure compliance,” he said.
Sources close to Dhami suggested that following instructions from a religious body like the Akal Takht could jeopardize SAD’s recognition by the ECI.
However, former SGPC president Bibi Jagir Kaur, a prominent dissident now set to rejoin the SAD, disagrees with Dhami’s stand. ‘There is no technical problem. The SAD Working Committee may pass a resolution to implement the directive without expressly referring to the Akal Takht. It is used as an excuse,’ she said.
She pointed out Dhami’s dual role and questioned his reasoning. “As SGPC president, Dhami seeks votes for SAD during elections and is a core committee member. If his association with SAD does not pose a problem, why should instructions from Shri Akal Takht Sahib become an issue?” she asked.
Former MLA Gurpratap Singh Wadala, a member of the Akal Takht-formed committee, formally informed Jathedar Raghvir Singh about the dissolution of the movement. In his letter, Wadala reaffirmed the commitment of Sudhar Lahar leaders to the decisions of the Akal Takht. “We pledge our full support to the recruitment committee and uphold the principles of Sikhism while safeguarding the honor of Sikh institutions,” his statement said.