Sukhbir Singh Badal Alleges Conspiracy Against Akali Dal Leadership

Amritsar, April 12 (NationPress) Former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal, who was elected as President of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on Saturday, stated that there is a conspiracy aimed at dismantling the party and its leadership.

During the delegate session, his nomination was put forth by senior leader Balwinder Singh Bhundar and seconded by Paramjit Singh Sarna.

The delegates did not suggest any other candidates, leading chief election officer Gulzar Singh Raneka to announce Sukhbir Singh Badal as the new President amid enthusiastic chants of "Bole so Nihal, Sat Sri Akal".

The delegates also empowered the President to form the party's new Working Committee.

After his election, Sukhbir Singh Badal addressed the delegates, stating, "I give you my solemn commitment that I will never compromise on any issue that concerns the prestige of the Khalsa Panth, Punjab, and SAD."

He urged for a wider 'panthic' unity, calling on those who may have distanced themselves from the party due to grievances to rejoin under the Akali banner, transcending their differences.

"We owe this to Khalsa Panth and Punjab," he added.

'Panthic' unity pertains to the community by adhering to the teachings of the Sikh masters.

Sukhbir Singh Badal elaborated that the past six months have seen a conspiracy aimed at undermining SAD and its leadership.

This conspiracy began when SAD exited the NDA to show solidarity with farmers protesting against the three farm Bills.

"This conspiracy gained momentum over the past six months. It is unfortunate that when we left the NDA, the Centre moved to promote its allies. The managements of Sri Hazur Sahib and Patna Sahib Boards were expanded to bring them under government control," he remarked.

"The Centre also took control of the DSGMC (Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee) by incorporating its leaders into the BJP, and initiated a new Gurdwara Committee for Haryana," he stated.

Sukhbir Singh Badal noted, "It is deeply regrettable that even the decisions of the 'quom' were manipulated by such forces and that our respected Jathedar sahibans, who should have acted as custodians of panthic interests, chose to align with these forces.

"I commend the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee for reclaiming the 'kabja' of anti-Sikh forces over our Takhts."

He called upon delegates to prepare for re-establishing SAD's power in 2027, asserting, "Once our workers decide to restore SAD to power, it will happen. I assure you that the next SAD government will combat the gangster culture and drug mafia patronized by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government."

He also declared that SAD is dedicated to comprehensive development.

"We will revive industry in the state. We will guarantee that all segments of society, including farmers and underprivileged groups, receive their rightful share. I am committed to making Punjab the top state in the country," he affirmed.

The new President expressed gratitude to outgoing Working President Balwinder Singh Bhundar for his contributions during a critical period.

He announced that the 'barsi' of former Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal would be celebrated in Lambi on April 25.

This will also include an Akhand Paath and bhog ceremony at all district headquarters in Punjab, with similar events in Haryana and Delhi.

Numerous resolutions were presented during the delegate session by senior leader Daljit Singh Cheema and others, all of which were unanimously approved.

The party condemned the transfer of constitutional powers by the Punjab government to AAP Convener Arvind Kejriwal and his team, expressing shock that individuals out on bail for corruption were overseeing government files.

The party also denounced the complete breakdown of law and order in the state, expressing concern over grenade attacks on police stations, vandalism of B.R. Ambedkar statues, and temple desecration.

The Akali Dal demanded the release of Bandi Singhs as per the commitments made by the Central government and urged that the death sentence of Balwant Singh Rajoana be commuted to life without delay.

It also called on all political parties to unite in pressuring the Centre to implement a true federal structure in the state while asserting that the Centre consistently encroaches upon state powers.