Sukhbir Badal Faces Akal Takht's Punishment as a Guard at the Golden Temple
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Amritsar, December 3 (NationPress) The President of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), Sukhbir Badal, accompanied by senior leaders of the party, arrived at the revered Sikh site, Harmandir Sahib, widely referred to as the Golden Temple, in Punjab on Tuesday. They wore plaques around their necks to engage in 'sewa' (selfless service), which involved cleaning bathrooms, washing utensils, and taking care of devotees' shoes.
Sukhbir Badal, dressed in a blue guard's uniform and using a wheelchair due to a hairline fracture in his foot, served for an hour at the Golden Temple's entrance.
Another senior member of the Akali party, Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, who has also been in a wheelchair due to his age, performed similar duties as a guard.
The day prior, the five high priests instructed senior leaders of the Akali Dal, including Sukhbir Badal, to serve as a 'sewadar' by washing dishes and cleaning shoes as part of their 'tankhah' (religious punishment) for the “sins” attributed to his administration in Punjab from 2007 to 2017.
The Akal Takht also annulled the 'Panth Rattan Fakhr-e-Qaum' (pride of community) title awarded to Sukhbir's father, Parkash Singh Badal, in 2011. This posthumous punishment was due to his involvement in 'anti-Sikh' decisions during his time as Chief Minister.
During their time at the Golden Temple, Sukhbir Badal and other Akali leaders, who previously served as cabinet ministers, participated in cleaning bathrooms, utensils, and devotees’ shoes, alongside serving 'langar'.
The punishment was announced from the Akal Takht Sahib's ramparts at the Golden Temple by Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh, following a meeting of the jathedars from the five takhts (Sikh authority seats).
Additionally, the five high priests directed the Akali Dal's working committee on Monday to accept Sukhbir Badal's resignation as party chief within three days and to establish a panel for conducting elections for the presidency and other office-bearers within six months.
This punishment was issued three months after Sukhbir Badal was declared 'tankhaiya' (guilty of religious misconduct) after rebel leaders sought forgiveness on July 1 for their failures during the Akali Dal regime, including the lack of action against those accountable for the 2015 sacrilege incidents and the pardon granted to Sirsa dera chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in a 2007 blasphemy case.
Considering his foot injury, Sukhbir Badal was instructed to serve as a guard for one hour each on December 3 and 4 at the Golden Temple's entrance while seated in a wheelchair.
