Sukhbir Singh Badal Faces Akal Takht Over Rebel Accusations

Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal appeared before the Akal Takht jathedar to respond to accusations from rebel Akali leaders. Accompanied by party leaders, Badal offered prayers before submitting his explanation, which will be reviewed by five Sikh high priests. Key allegations include mishandling past sacrilege incidents and improper pardoning of a controversial figure.

Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief Sukhbir Singh Badal appeared before the Akal Takht jathedar on Wednesday in Amritsar to address accusations made by rebel Akali leaders. Badal, along with party leaders Daljit Singh Cheema and Balwinder Singh Bhundar, first offered prayers at the Golden Temple before facing the Akal Takht.

The jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh had summoned Badal to provide a written explanation regarding allegations that he did not represent the sentiments of the panth. This comes after rebel leaders, including Prem Singh Chandumajra and Bibi Jagir Kaur, apologised for mistakes made during the SAD government tenure from 2007 to 2017.

Among the key issues discussed were the 2015 sacrilege incidents and the controversial pardon of Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in 2007. The SGPC also submitted clarifications about spending Rs 90 lakh on advertisements. Five Sikh high priests will now review Badal's explanation.