Akal Takht Asks SAD to Expel its Senior Leader

On 12 Oct, Senior SAD leader and former MLA Virsa Singh Valtoha publicly accused the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and BJP of pressuring Akal Takht (Eternal Throne; AT) Jathedars (leaders) to delay the punishment of SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal. Valtoha’s allegations surfaced after Badal, declared tankhaiya (guilty of misconduct) on 30 Aug, resumed political activities contrary to the AT’s directive to abstain until completing his atonement. In a Facebook post, Valtoha questioned the delay in pronouncing punishment and insinuated external influence. AT Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh summoned Valtoha to present evidence supporting his allegations. Following Valtoha’s inability to provide substantive proof, the Jathedar directed SAD Executive President Balwinder Singh Bhundar to expel Valtoha from the party for 10 years. The evidence presented contained Takht Damdama Sahib Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh’s alleged links with the BJP and RSS. Valtoha resigned from the party’s primary membership hours later. Meanwhile, Giani Harpreet Singh announced his resignation from his position as Jathedar of the Takht Damdama Sahib, citing mental agony due to alleged threats to his family by Valtoha. He accused Valtoha of issuing threats, making derogatory comments about his daughters, engaging in character assassination, and insults to his caste. AT Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh backed Giani Harpreet Singh and urged the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (apex Sikh governing body) to not accept his resignation. Ironically, as Sikhs become central to the Canada-India crisis, Sikh leaders are engaged in internal disputes, raising questions about who truly holds control.