Former Punjab chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal’s resignation as Akali Dal president has brought back focus on the country’s second-oldest political party. It’s been two months since Badal was excommunicated from the community for his decisions during his government’s tenure that were perceived to be against the Sikh ethos. As Badal was still awaiting punishment from the highest temporal seat of Sikhs, Akal Takht, he requested for early resolution. He then resigned from the post.
Owing to this crisis, the Akali Dal didn’t contest the by-polls in the state. Badal’s resignation means that a new party chief will be elected soon. The Akali rebels who were instrumental in complaints against Badal for going against the Panthic agenda want the leadership of the party.
As Badal continues to stay away from politics as he awaits punishment from the Akal Thakt before he is accepted back, two prominent Hindu faces of the party, NK Sharma and Anil Joshi have also quit the party this week. They resigned after Badal’s resignation and reportedly said that they do not feel comfortable in the party which may now take a more Panthic line.
Many observers feel the Badals still hold sway over the Akali politics and party despite the current crisis. The current imbroglio, however, may force the Punjab’s regional party to reorient its politics and messaging to stay relevant.
Akali Dal’s role in harmonising the communities in the border state is crucial so that the hard-line voices do not gain currency as it has happened with the election of two Lok sabha MPs with pro-Khalistan views.
The churn within Sikh politics also saw Harpal Singh Duma, the chief of Damdami Taksal, a seminary known for its radical views, which was also helmed by Bhindranwale at one time, support BJP in Maharashtra. He held a press conference urging the Sikhs in the state to support the BJP in polls. Dhumma’s act caught many in Punjab by surprise. Some Akali leaders accused the BJP of interfering in the Sikh affairs.
The state politics, particularly for the Akalis May continue to be on the boil, but its resolution is what most are waiting to happen.
