Shiromani Akali Dal Decides Not to Contest November 13 Punjab Bypolls

Shiromani Akali Dal Decides Not to Contest November 13 Punjab Bypolls

Following Akal Takht’s ‘Tankhaiya’ Declaration Against Sukhbir Badal

In a significant political move, the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has announced that it will not be contesting the upcoming bypolls for four assembly constituencies in Punjab—Gidderbaha, Dera Baba Nanak, Chabbewal, and Barnala. These by-elections, scheduled for November 13, were necessitated as the sitting MLAs from these constituencies had been elected to the Lok Sabha, leaving the assembly seats vacant.

This decision by the SAD comes in the aftermath of the Akal Takht, the supreme temporal authority of the Sikh community, declaring SAD leader Sukhbir Singh Badal as ‘tankhaiya’—guilty of religious misconduct—on August 30. The Akal Takht’s declaration pertained to various “mistakes” attributed to the party and its government during its ten-year rule in Punjab, from 2007 to 2017. The gravity of this religious ruling has had significant political implications for the party’s approach to these by-elections.

SAD senior leader Daljit Cheema, in a press conference, clarified the party’s decision, stating that after extensive consultations with senior leaders and party workers, the core committee concluded that it would not field candidates for the bypolls. Cheema emphasized that this decision was made “in the larger interests of the Sikh sangat” (the Sikh community). The decision marks a retreat by one of Punjab’s key political parties from an electoral contest, raising questions about the party’s immediate political strategy and long-term trajectory.

The Akal Takht Jathedar, Giani Raghbir Singh, had made it clear that a person declared ‘tankhaiya’ remains guilty of religious misconduct until they undergo the prescribed religious punishment. In light of this, the SAD decided to avoid the electoral contest as Sukhbir Singh Badal, the party’s leader, had been barred by the Jathedar from contesting or leading any election campaign while under this status.

A delegation of SAD leaders had previously sought leniency from the Akal Takht Jathedar. They requested that Sukhbir Badal be exempted from his ‘tankhaiya’ status temporarily, allowing him to lead the party’s poll campaign for the upcoming bypolls. However, the Jathedar did not grant any such relief, leaving the SAD in a difficult position. Without Sukhbir Badal at the helm of the campaign, the party decided it was in its best interest to step back from the bypolls altogether.

The Akal Takht’s ruling is seen as a major development in Punjab’s political landscape, given the religious significance and influence the institution holds. The SAD, traditionally aligned with Sikh religious principles, has had to navigate this sensitive issue delicately. The ruling against Sukhbir Badal stems from long-standing allegations related to various decisions taken by the SAD government during its time in power, many of which had sparked controversies within the Sikh community.

The decision to skip the bypolls also signals a shift in the SAD’s political calculations. While the party has historically been a major player in Punjab’s political arena, this withdrawal could have implications for its influence and standing in future elections, including the upcoming state assembly elections. By opting out, the SAD has potentially allowed other political forces, particularly the Congress and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), to strengthen their foothold in these constituencies.

Sukhbir Singh Badal’s political future remains uncertain as he navigates the ongoing fallout from the Akal Takht’s ruling. While the SAD has framed its withdrawal as a move taken in the best interest of the Sikh community, it also highlights the complex interplay between religion and politics in Punjab, where decisions made by religious authorities can significantly impact political campaigns.

The upcoming bypolls on November 13 are likely to witness increased competition from other parties seeking to capitalize on the SAD’s absence. How the political landscape will evolve following this unexpected development remains to be seen, but it is clear that the Akal Takht’s influence on the SAD’s political decisions continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Punjab politics.

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