Want to appear before Akal Takht as a ‘humble Sikh’: Sukhbir in new letter

After resigning as Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president, Sukhbir Singh Badal said in a new letter to Akal Takht jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh that he wants to appear before the Takht as a “humble Sikh”.

Sukhbir, who was declared tankhaiya (guilty of religious misconduct) for mistakes committed by his party when it was in power in Punjab between 2007 and 2017, resigned as SAD chief on November 16.

In a letter dated November 18 – a copy of which is doing the rounds on social media and has been confirmed by Sukhbir’s team – he wrote: “Akal Takht Sahib declaring that I am a tankhaiya has had a great influence on me. Sluga (Suhbir) has now resigned as the president of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD). The servant wants to appear to the Akal Takht Sahib as a humble Sikh, with respect and politeness. Since Akal Takht Sahib was founded by the sixth Guru (Guru Hargobind), who always showers mercy and forgives, please accept the servant’s request.”

The party’s working committee met on November 18 to decide on Sukhbir’s resignation but ultimately deferred the decision. “Before taking a decision, the committee will discuss the issue with SGPC members and SAD leaders at the district level,” said Balwinder Singh Bhundar, working president of the party, who chaired the meeting at the party head office in Chandigarh.

Sukhbir’s resignation came three days after he approached the Akal Takht and asked Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh to convene a meeting of the Panj Singh Sahiban (Sikh clergy) soon to pronounce tankkhah (religious punishment) on him, citing that it it was two and a half months since he was declared tankkhaya.

“I request Singh Sahiban to issue an order at the earliest. I will submit to this as a Sikh and as the President of SAD. I have political and personal responsibility,” Sukhbir said after sending the letter.