The Defining Moment for Shiromani Akali Dal: A Test of Faith and Leadership

Balwinder Singh Bhundar faces a moment of truth that will define his legacy. By steering the party toward unity and compliance with the Hukamnama, he can honor the memory of Parkash Singh Badal.

The Stage is Set

Tomorrow, January 10th, at 3 PM, the Working Committee of the Shiromani Akali Dal will convene under the chairmanship of senior leader and Working President, Balwinder Singh Bhundar. This critical meeting at the party's office in Chandigarh places the Shiromani Akali Dal at a decisive juncture, with two diverging paths ahead.

A Moment of Clarity

The meeting will reveal who among the party's office bearers, including Sukhbir Singh Badal, who has already tendered his resignation, will uphold the divine authority of Sri Akal Takht by implementing the December 2, 2024 Hukamnama in letter and spirit. Conversely, it will also expose those who, through acts of omission and commission, attempt to evade, avoid, or circumvent this directive, effectively submitting their ਬੇਦਾਵਾ ਨਾਮਾ to the Guru and Sri Akal Takht.

The Jathedar Sahib’s Clarion Call

The uncertainty lingered until January 6th, when Giani Raghbir Singh, Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht, issued a decisive statement during the birth anniversary celebrations of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. He emphasized that the Hukamnama issued from the sacred podium (faseel) of Sri Akal Takht by the five Singh Sahiban must be implemented in its entirety. This unequivocal declaration dismissed the "legal hitches" cited by the Shiromani Akali Dal regarding compliance with directives from a religious authority.

Rallying the Camps

This statement triggered significant action on both sides. Loyalists such as Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema and Bunty Romana rallied around the embattled President Sukhbir Singh Badal, while the rebels—led by Bibi Jagir Kaur, Parminder Singh Dhindsa, and Charanjit Singh Brar—met on January 8th at the farmhouse of Surjit Singh Rakhra in Patiala. After they had dispersed, news of the Working Committee’s meeting broke, prompting these former rebels to engage in multiple telephonic discussions to coordinate their strategy.

Rebels’ Compliance Claim

Bibi Jagir Kaur’s faction claims they have already complied with the Hukamnama by disbanding the SAD Sudhar Lehar forum. They argue that their expulsion was null and void as per the party’s constitution, and therefore, they remain legitimate Working Committee members. In any case, it has been expunged or rescinded by the 2nd December Hukamnama. She has urged all members, irrespective of their so-called expulsion, to attend tomorrow’s meeting. This stance may lead to disputes and even confrontations at the venue.

SGPC President’s Dilemma

Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami, SGPC President, also finds himself at odds with the Hukamnama. Despite heading the seven-member committee tasked with rejuvenating the party, he has yet to convene its meeting. His personal loyalty to Sukhbir Badal conflicts with his duty as a devout Sikh to comply with the December 2 directive. The categorical clarification by Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh on January 6 has rendered his position increasingly untenable.

A Path to Resolution

Amid the chaos, a potential resolution lies in decisive leadership. Balwinder Singh Bhundar must rise to the occasion, transitioning from Working President to Executive President. His first step should be to accept the resignations of all office bearers, including Sukhbir Singh Badal. Simultaneously, SGPC President Dhami could request to step down from the seven-member committee, allowing Sri Akal Takht to appoint a new convenor, possibly Balwinder Singh Bhundar.

This restructured committee, acting as an interim board, should immediately initiate a fresh membership drive and organize elections at all levels, culminating in the selection of a new President. Such actions would address legal concerns qua the Election Commission and restore the party’s credibility. Sukhbir Singh Badal can catalyse the membership drive as an ordinary member, unburdened by the organizational responsibility.

A Critical Crossroad

The need for a robust Shiromani Akali Dal as a genuine regional party of Punjab cannot be overstated. However, if internal conflicts persist, the party risks further decline. Balwinder Singh Bhundar must distance himself from Sukhbir Badal’s coterie, which many blame for poor advice. By taking charge, he could rejuvenate the party’s image and secure its relevance in Punjab’s political landscape.

The Stakes are High

Failure to act decisively will result in the party losing the remaining trust of Punjab’s people, especially its rural base. The divine retribution of Sri Akal Takht for flouting the December 2 Hukamnama would fall squarely on Balwinder Singh Bhundar, as Sukhbir Singh Badal’s resignation absolves him of any direct responsibility.

The Legacy at Stake

Balwinder Singh Bhundar faces a moment of truth that will define his legacy. By steering the party toward unity and compliance with the Hukamnama, he can honor the memory of Parkash Singh Badal and secure a brighter future for the Shiromani Akali Dal. The outcome of tomorrow’s meeting will determine whether the party sinks further or finds safe shores.

Let us wait and watch as history unfolds on Friday afternoon.