SAD(B) appoints Gurpartap Wadala as observer amid tensions with Akal Takht

Earlier this month, SAD(D) claimed that it had persuaded the Akal Takht Jathedar to let the party’s Working Committee manage the membership drive. However, Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh later clarified that the seven-member committee he had formed for this purpose would continue to be in charge.

On December 2, the Jathedar declared the current SAD(B) leadership “unfit” after former party president Sukhbir Singh Badal admitted to numerous violations of the religious code of conduct during his 16-year tenure. Akal Takht Sahib also stripped former chief minister Prakash Singh Badal of the Fakhar-e-Kaum award.

Daljit Singh Cheema said on X that SAD(B) had added five new observers to oversee the massive membership drive that began on January 20, including Wadala for Faridkot.

He also mentioned that the party was ready to include Bibi Satwant Kaur as an observer if she resigned from the SGPC. Kaur was also part of the seven-member committee formed by the Akal Takht.

Cheema said these decisions were made during a meeting of the Parliamentary Board, presided over by Working President Balwinder Singh Bhundar.

Wadala, however, criticised SAD(B)’s decision, saying, “This is another attempt by SAD(B) to challenge the authority of Akal Takht Sahib. The Akal Takht, in its December 2 order, clearly stated that the seven-member committee will oversee not only the membership drive but also the entire reorganisation of the party. But SAD(B) has included members of the seven-member committee in a list of over 20 observers who are expected to work under the party’s Working Committee and Parliamentary Board. This is a clear violation of Akal Takht Sahib’s directives aimed at restoring democracy in the party.”

He further added, “SAD(B) is exposing itself to the public with such gimmicks, which are serving no purpose. I now hope that the Akal Takht Jathedar will take strict action against the SAD(B) Working Committee and Parliamentary Board for violating the December 2 orders.”