Amritsar, January 8 – A delegation of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) submitted a representation to Sri Akal Takht Sahib Jathedar, Giani Raghbir Singh, to address legal hurdles hindering the formation of a seven-member committee to oversee the party’s organizational elections. The party assured the Jathedar that its Working Committee would soon announce the schedule for a membership drive ahead of the elections.
Speaking to the media, senior SAD leader Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema emphasized the party’s commitment to the directives of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, which it has always adhered to with utmost humility. Dr. Cheema highlighted that all SAD leaders, including party president Sukhbir Singh Badal, had accepted and undergone religious punishments awarded by the supreme temporal seat, with Badal even resigning from his position.
Legal and Technical Hurdles
Dr. Cheema explained that technical and legal challenges were complicating the implementation of the directive to establish the seven-member committee. He noted that constitutional amendments, Supreme Court directives, and Election Commission guidelines posed significant obstacles. “These issues were shared with the Takht earlier as well, but today, the delegation provided a detailed explanation and submitted all relevant documents to the Jathedar,” Dr. Cheema said.
He criticized forces opposed to the SAD for misleading the public by claiming there were no barriers to forming the committee. “These forces are now in the process of registering their own parties. I challenge them to make their applications public so that people can see the gap between their words and actions,” he remarked.
Challenges for New Political Entities
Dr. Cheema pointed out the constitutional requirements for registering new political parties, including the prohibition of religious or caste-based overtones in party names and the need for democratic and secular objectives. He added that decision-making in such parties must reflect democratic principles without any veto powers.
Acknowledgment of the Takht’s Guidance
The SAD delegation expressed gratitude to Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh for his patience and understanding. The delegation included prominent leaders such as Gulzar Singh Ranike, Hira Singh Gabria, Paramjit Singh Sarna, Ram Singh, Kulwant Singh Manan, Surjit Singh Kadhonwal, and Arshdeep Singh Kler.
The SAD reiterated its commitment to addressing the legal complexities and fulfilling the directives of Sri Akal Takht Sahib while adhering to constitutional norms and democratic practices. The forthcoming Working Committee meeting is expected to pave the way for a smooth membership drive and organizational elections.
