On Monday, December 2, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Singh Badal will present himself before five Sikh leaders (Panj Pyare) at the Sri Akal Takht Sahib on orders from Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh to "accept" punishment from the highest body in the Sikh religion.
The Akal Takht will decide how he must atone for the charge that decisions and actions taken by him as chief minister of Punjab (2007-17) had harmed the Sikh Panth. He was asked to appear before the Akal Takht on August 30, was declared tankhaiya but was not awarded the punishment (tankhah). He resigned as party president on November 16, appointing senior leader Balwinder Singh Bhundar working president of the party.
"Let us be clear," said Naresh Gujral, a senior SAD member and former Rajya Sabha member. "What the Akal Takht orders is religious punishment. It cannot say, for instance, that it is banishing you from politics. The atonement is designed to remind you of humility. So, the Akal Takht could order 'seva' of some sort - Badal is more than willing to do that. But after the seva, the SAD will hit the ground running. Watch us then."
"In our part of the world," he added, "people like tyaag (renunciation). By giving up his position Sukhbir has demonstrated the highest level of tyaag."
On the face of it, the SAD's fortunes have been plummeting in recent years. Much of it is being attributed to the leadership of Badal. The party walked out of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in September 2020 in protest against the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP's) agri-reform moves, breaking an alliance that was put in place in 1996.
This story is from the December 02, 2024 edition of Business Standard.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 02, 2024 edition of Business Standard.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Zomato stock crashes 14% in 2 days after Q3 results
Investors heavily dumped Zomato shares on Tuesday, disappointed with a surprisingly weak performance in the December quarter (Q3FY25).
Ideal for low-risk investors with goals 1-3 yrs away
Union Mutual Fund recently launched the Union Short Duration Fund, an open-ended short-duration debt scheme.
SECOND CLASS CRICKET
India stars are turning up for Ranji matches. However, with all eyes riveted on the IPL, the first-class championship is in dire need of a booster shot
e2W Makers Call For GST Rate Cuts, Relook At PM E-DRIVE Plan
With the Union Budget 2025 on the horizon, electric two-wheeler (e2W) players are urging the government to introduce critical policy measures and incentives to revitalise the sector.
More US energy exports to India likely: Puri
Trump's energy push may lead to increased American crude oil, LNG shipments to the country
Valuation Woes Negate Q3 Positives for Dixon
Shares slump 14%, prompting analysts to maintain cautious stance
Banks to overhaul terms of engagement with BCs
A First in 12 Years
NRAI calls for ONDC boost to challenge Zomato and Swiggy
The National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI), the country's leading restaurateurs' body, has decided to step up pressure on the government-backed Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) to take on Zomato and Swiggy's standalone apps for 10-minute food delivery, Bistro and Snacc.
Challenges Posed by AI Dominate Talks at Davos
Union Ministers, CMs Unveil India Pavilion, Meet Leaders of Global Companies
Equities tumble, volatility surges
A slew of executive orders and announcements on Day 1 turn policymakers, investors cautious
