Media on Tankhah Imposed by Akal Takht; SAD Quandary

On 2 Dec, the Indian media misrepresented the importance of tankhah (salary, implying punishment) imposed by the Akal Takht (eternal throne; AT) on SAD leaders, and fetishized the symbolic acts of service─cleaning toilets, washing vessels, and so on (SDW Vol 2, Issue 49, Story 1). However, by 4 Dec, articles and editorials started appearing in mainstream media praising the proceedings and asking deeper questions. The Free Press Journal said, ‘Rarely does the nation witness politicians paying a price for their actions.’ The Tribune hoped for a ‘reset in Akali politics.’ The Indian Express said, ‘Pendulum swings again for Badal’. Although The Indian Express editorial expressed concern, ‘The Akali Dal, which articulated its broader vision as a party dedicated to Punjab, Punjabis and Punjabiyat in its Moga Declaration, risks a shrinking of its appeal if it is perceived to be retreating into a narrower, exclusively Sikh space.’ SAD was formed as a political party for Sikhs in 1920 but at the Moga Declaration in 1996 it became Panjabi political party instead of Sikh. After which SAD aligned with BJP to attract both the rural Sikh votes and urban Hindu votes. The SAD moved away from its promise on justice over the extra-judicial killings and enforced disappearances during Panjab’s militancy years (1978-1993) and indulged in rampant corruption, nepotism and violations of law, as pointed out by The Times of India. The AT had asked the SAD to accept Sukhbir Singh Badal’s resignation within three days but over a week has passed, the committee has yet to meet. The dilemma is if the SAD obeys the AT’s directive, it risks being seen as a political party based on religious lines and being derecognized by the Election Commission of India.