Akal Takht says SAD has Lost Moral Right to Lead, Calls for Reorganization

During the public hearing of SAD leaders, the Akal Takht (eternal throne; AT) Jathedar (leader) Giani Raghbir Singh said, ‘The current SAD leadership has lost the moral right to lead the community.’ He instructed the SAD working committee to accept the resignations tendered by Sukhbir Singh Badal and others. The Panj Singh Sahibans (five loved ones) announced the formation of a six-member committee to oversee the membership drive of the party, ensuring transparency and holding elections for the president and office bearers within six months. Rebel SAD leader Gurpartap Singh Wadala, who is part of the committee, confirmed that the SAD Sudhar Lehar (reform movement) will now be disbanded. The AT was also not  satisfied with the clarifications sent by former Jathedars–Gurbachan Singh (Akal Takht), Gurmukh Singh (Damdama Sahib) and Iqbal Singh (Patna Sahib)–who had pardoned the Sacha Sauda Dera chief Ram Rahim, who was eventually convicted of rape and murder. The AT declared former Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee president and SAD leader Harvinder Singh Sarna tankhaiya (guilty of religious misconduct) as well, for making derogatory remarks against the AT. The proceedings demonstrated that in a world where justice is so often a casualty to politics and nepotism, in Sikhi, religious institutions are on a higher pedestal than those who enjoy power through politics. Panjab BJP chief Sunil Jakhar said through these decisions, the AT has enhanced its dignity. Former Panjab Inspector General of Police, Kunwar Vijay Pratap, who resigned because his inquiry into the Bargari killings were stalled and later won as Member of Legislative Assembly from AAP, said he stands vindicated. He has challenged CM Bhagwant Singh Mann to arrest Badal on the basis of his public confession.