Synopsis
Amritsar, April 12 (NationPress) The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) is set to elect its new President and office-bearers today at the SGPC headquarters, following Sukhbir Singh Badal's resignation. This crucial meeting sees participation from 500 representatives across Punjab's Assembly constituencies.Key Takeaways
- SAD elects new leadership amidst political challenges.
- Event hosted at SGPC headquarters with significant turnout.
- 500 delegates present to vote for new President.
- Party aims for resurgence ahead of 2027 elections.
- Historical significance as SAD celebrates 105 years.
Amritsar, April 12 (NationPress) The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), facing challenges to uphold its political significance in Punjab, is poised to elect its new party President and office-bearers today. The eagerly awaited assembly is taking place at the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) headquarters.
This election comes in the wake of Sukhbir Singh Badal's resignation as party President, initiating a series of internal dialogues to identify the next leadership for SAD.
A significant number of party members and senior leaders arrived early at the SGPC office to engage in the election process.
SGPC member Gurcharan Singh Grewal highlighted the importance of the event, stating that 500 representatives from all 117 Assembly constituencies in Punjab have gathered to cast their votes.
“This election is being conducted at the historic Teja Singh Samundri Hall, the administrative core of the SGPC, following tradition,” he remarked.
Grewal also responded to external criticisms of the party, mentioning, “Today marks the election for the SAD President, yet we observe leaders from the rebel faction, Aam Aadmi Party, Congress, BJP, and even MPs criticizing us. We are neither in power nor do we possess a majority — why do these parties feel so threatened by us?”
He further asserted that the Akali Dal is gearing up for a political comeback, claiming the party will be a formidable force ahead of the 2027 state elections.
J. Sohal, leader of the SAD women’s wing, resonated similar views, expressing excitement over the turnout.
“There is immense enthusiasm among the workers today. The Shiromani Akali Dal is the foundational party of Punjab. No other governance has achieved the development we have,” she stated.
Sohal also criticized the rebel faction within SAD, insinuating the BJP's involvement.
“This so-called reform movement is compromised and endorsed by BJP elements. The same leaders who are criticizing us are operating under the influence of the BJP. Today, they will understand their true position,” she emphasized.
The SAD has appointed a total of 567 delegates who will vote for the new party leader.
Meanwhile, the SAD carries a legacy of 105 years. It was founded on December 14, 1920, with backing from the Gurdwara Management Committee, aimed at serving as the religious, social, and political voice of the Sikh community.
After the Gurdwara Act was enacted in 1925, the Akali Dal actively engaged in the freedom struggle.
Motivated by the ideology of Main Maran Te Panth Jive (Let me die, but let the Panth live), the party initially distanced itself from politics. In the 1937 Provincial Elections, the party entered the political landscape by securing 10 seats.
During the period of India’s Partition, the Akali Dal strongly opposed the division.
