Shiromani Akali Dal Set for a Leadership Shift: New President to Be Elected Today

Chandigarh (The Uttam Hindu): The election for the new president of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) will take place today, with all preparations completed by the party. The election will be conducted as per the procedure set by the party’s working committee. SAD president Sukhbir Badal had resigned on November 16, but his resignation was not accepted immediately due to certain reasons. However, on January 10, his resignation was officially accepted.

The election for the new party president is scheduled for March 1, and all necessary arrangements have been finalized. Before the election, the party conducted a membership drive from January 20 to February 20, aiming to add 2.5 million new members. Party leaders believe that this campaign will further strengthen the organization and enhance its influence.

Sukhbir Badal’s resignation was approved by the party’s working committee, and party spokesperson Daljit Singh Cheema confirmed on January 10 that the decision was finalized in a committee meeting. This development has fueled expectations of significant changes within the party, and today’s election will determine its future direction. Earlier, on August 30, 2024, Sukhbir Badal stepped away from active leadership and formed a working committee led by Balwinder Singh Bhunder to manage the party’s daily affairs. This move followed orders from Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh, who had directed that Badal’s resignation be enforced.

This decision was based on a December 2 directive from Akal Takht, urging the implementation of religious punishment against Sukhbir Badal and other leaders for "mistakes" committed during SAD’s rule in Punjab from 2007 to 2017. On August 30 last year, Akal Takht declared Badal a ‘Tankhaiya’ (guilty of religious misconduct). Today's election will be crucial in shaping the future of Shiromani Akali Dal and its leadership.