Who is Giani Harpreet Singh, the newly elected chief of the Akali Dal breakaway faction?
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Synopsis
In a significant political shift, Giani Harpreet Singh has been elected as the President of the breakaway faction of the SAD. This election reflects a division within the party and highlights ongoing tensions with the current leadership under Sukhbir Badal. What does this mean for the future of the Akali Dal?
Key Takeaways
- Giani Harpreet Singh elected as President of the breakaway SAD faction.
- Bibi Satwant Kaur becomes Chairperson of the religious wing.
- The election was conducted by a five-member committee from the Akal Takht.
- This election highlights divisions within the Akali Dal.
- Nearly 500 delegates participated in the election.
Amritsar, Aug 11 (NationPress) Former acting Jathedar of the Akal Takht, Giani Harpreet Singh, was unanimously chosen as the President of the breakaway faction of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on Monday. Bibi Satwant Kaur was also elected as Chairperson of the party’s religious wing during an election overseen by a five-member committee established by the Akal Takht in this sacred city of Punjab.
The election featured contenders who were rivals of the SAD, currently led by Sukhbir Badal, the son of the late Parkash Singh Badal.
Both factions assert their legitimacy as the original Akali Dal, which was founded on December 14, 1920, with the goal of liberating gurdwaras from the control of ‘mahants’.
This election followed a directive from last year issued by the supreme authority of the Sikhs, tasking the five-member committee with conducting a membership campaign for the party and subsequently organizing elections.
The rivals criticized Sukhbir Badal for neglecting last year’s ‘hukamnama’ (edict) from the Akal Takht, which mandated fresh membership drives and unity across the various Akali Dal factions.
The Sikh high priests, led at the time by Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh, had ordered a reorganization of the Akali Dal and established a seven-member committee, headed by then SGPC President Harjinder Dhami, to enroll new members.
Giani Harpreet Singh, the jathedar of Takht Damdama Sahib, was among the signatories of this directive. However, the SAD under Badal rejected the committee appointed by the Takht and pursued its own membership initiative, later re-electing Sukhbir Badal as the party President in April.
In reference to the previous year’s directive, SAD spokesperson Daljit Singh Cheema stated that it was intended to strengthen the SAD, implying that anyone who has served as Jathedar of the Akal Takht should not contend for the presidency of a political party, indirectly suggesting that Giani Harpreet Singh was ineligible for that role.
The election, held at Gurdwara Burj Akali Phoola Singh, had nearly 500 delegates from across the nation in attendance, all overseen by the committee tasked with reorganizing the Akali Dal.
Previously, Giani Harpreet Singh mentioned on social media that he could not run against Satwant Kaur, the daughter of slain AISSF leader Amrik Singh, stating, "She is a respected figure to me."
Point of View
It is essential to recognize the importance of this election within the broader context of Sikh political dynamics. The emergence of Giani Harpreet Singh as a leader represents a significant challenge to the existing leadership of the SAD and reflects the ongoing quest for unity and representation within the community. Our commitment is to provide unbiased coverage that honors the voices of all factions involved.
NationPress
09/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Giani Harpreet Singh?
Giani Harpreet Singh is the former acting Jathedar of the Akal Takht and has been elected as the President of the Shiromani Akali Dal breakaway faction.
What was the purpose of the election?
The election aimed to reorganize the Shiromani Akali Dal following directives from the Akal Takht for unity and fresh membership within the party.
Who else was elected during this election?
Bibi Satwant Kaur was elected as the Chairperson of the party’s religious wing.
What are the main factions in the Akali Dal?
The main factions include the breakaway group led by Giani Harpreet Singh and the SAD led by Sukhbir Badal.
What does this election signify for Sikh politics?
This election signifies a potential shift in power dynamics within Sikh politics, reflecting ongoing tensions and the pursuit of representation among different factions.
