Synopsis
AAP Punjab accuses the Shiromani Akali Dal of becoming a family-run enterprise under Sukhbir Badal's leadership, emphasizing a lack of democracy and public trust.Key Takeaways
- AAP claims SAD is a private enterprise of the Badal family.
- Leadership under Sukhbir Badal lacks authenticity.
- Democratic values are absent in SAD.
- Past actions against the Sikh community criticized.
- Current leadership seen as a betrayal of panthic principles.
Chandigarh, April 12 (NationPress) The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab criticized the recent election of Sukhbir Badal as the President of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), describing it as a complete sham. They further asserted that the Akali Dal has transformed into a private limited company under the control of the Badal family.
AAP leader Harpal Cheema emphasized that the Akali Dal cannot progress with Sukhbir Badal at the helm, stating that what they have is not an authentic leader, but rather a fake president selected based on power, familial influence, and financial resources.
“Democracy has vanished from their party. The people of Punjab have previously rejected them, and history is likely to repeat itself. The SAD is now merely a private limited company of the Badal family, disregarding public sentiment and democratic values,” Cheema remarked.
Additionally, AAP MP Malvinder Singh Kang condemned Sukhbir Badal's appointment, labeling it as a perpetuation of the Badal family's rule over the party.
Kang noted that the extended saga surrounding the leadership of SAD culminated in a decision that was predictable from the outset: the presidency would remain within the family.
He alleged that while in power, the Badal family committed serious offenses against the panth (Sikh community), causing substantial damage to panthic institutions and disrespecting their sanctity.
“After losing power, there was a glimmer of hope among the people when they approached Sri Akal Takht Sahib to acknowledge their errors. However, their subsequent actions not only insulted the Jathedars of the Takht Sahib but also displayed utter disregard for the supreme authority of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, which holds great importance in Sikhism and symbolizes unity and faith,” Kang stated.
He pointed out the betrayal of panthic values, asserting that the Shiromani Akali Dal was established at Sri Akal Takht Sahib to uphold panthic traditions.
“Yet, this very party has shown disrespect towards the Jathedars, undermined the authority of the Takht, and pursued its own selfish agenda. The panth will never overlook such actions. It is disheartening to witness individuals with panthic sentiments, who remain loyal to the Akali Dal hoping to preserve Sikh traditions, ultimately becoming subservient to the very family that inflected irreparable harm on Sikh institutions.”
The MP concluded by stating that the leadership of SAD is still confined to a single family, which continues to betray its workers and the panth.
