2 SAD ex-ministers Manpreet Badal, Sucha Singh Langah submit clarifications at Akal Takht

In compliance with the Akal Takht directions, former SAD ministers Manpreet Badal and Sucha Singh Langah on Friday appeared at the Akal Takht and submitted their explanations separately to clear their stance for being part of the cabinet when contentious decisions were taken.

Their appearance was in line with other former Akali ministers during the SAD-BJP government from 2007-2017 who were summoned by the five high priests.

Badal was the finance minister from 2007-2010 in the SAD cabinet. He was removed from the post following differences over the debt waiver offer from the Centre with the rest of the party. Subsequently, he was expelled from the SAD in October 2010.

Langah was the minister for agriculture from 2007 to 2012.

While Badal did not comment on his visit, Langah said he had come to abide by the directions of the Akal Takht to submit his clarification in writing.

On August 30, the Akal Takht had pronounced Sukhbir Badal ‘tankhaiah’ holding him guilty of religious misconduct and directed 17 other former Sikh ministers to explain their position on the issue within 15 days.

On August 31, Daljit Singh Cheema, Gulzar Singh Ranike and Sharanjit Singh Dhillon, accompanied by Sukhbir, had submitted their clarifications and Bikram Majithia did the same on Thursday.

Jagir Kaur and Sikandar Singh Maluka said they would also submit their replies soon.