Revolt deepens in Haryana SAD as another leader steps down
The internal rebellion in Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) Haryana continues following the removal of Giani Raghbir Singh as Akal Takht Jathedar and Giani Sultan Singh from Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib.
After several senior leaders, including state president Sharanjeet Singh Sotha and Sukhbir Singh Mandi, resigned, Surinder Pal Ramgarhia, former state general secretary of youth SAD, has now stepped down, accusing the party of turning into a family-controlled entity.
"The party has now become the personal property of a single family," said Ramgarhia, alleging that the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has become a "B-team" of SAD, rather than operating independently on Sikh religious matters.
On Saturday, Sotha and Mandi had openly criticised SGPC and SAD leadership, accusing them of “insulting” the Akal Takht.
“The sanctity of the Akal Takht has been violated and my conscience could not tolerate it. After listening to the voice of my conscience, I have resigned, but I will remain an Akali,” Sotha said.
Dismissing claims of SAD Haryana’s dissolution, he clarified, “The party was not dissolved. Only a membership drive was ongoing. We were asked to enrol members, which we were doing. From now on, we will not enrol any new members.”
Meanwhile, Mandi hinted at his complete exit from the party, saying, “I will be sending my resignation from the party’s membership as well.”
Former senior SAD leader and HSGMC member Baldev Singh, who heads the Haryana Sikh Panthak Dal, urged for unity and said, “Resignation is not the solution. Everyone should work for the welfare of the community, state and country, keeping aside personal interests. The new SAD Haryana body will be formed after completing the membership drive.”
