Akali Dal group of fugitives: Rebels

Rebel leaders on Wednesday passed a resolution declaring the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) a "group of fugitives", who they said have “evaded” the compliance of the Akal Takht's decree on party reorganisation and accepting its chief Sukhbir Singh Badal's resignation.

Led by Gurpratap Singh Wadala, the rebel leaders also said Sukhbir Singh Badal "no longer represents" the party.

The resolution, condemning the SAD leadership for not adhering to the Akal Takht edict, was passed at the home of former state Minister Surjit Singh Rakhra here.

The development came days after the rebel leaders, who had earlier formed the Akali Dal Sudhar Lehar seeking reforms within the party, declared their intentions to form their own outfit after Hola Mohalla if the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) failed to follow the Akal Takht edict.

‘Proposed Maghi Mela event against decree’

The rebel leaders also opposed the party’s plan to hold a Maghi Mela conference on January 14 in Muktsar. Wadla said their faction is dedicated to the Akal Takht while Badal had been evading its directives till now.

Bibi Jagir Kaur, who is one of the rebel leaders, said “We have always been advocates of reform and opposed decisions that are against the Panth and Punjab. We remain dedicated to Sri Akal Takht Sahib and have communicated our stance to the community regarding decisions related to reforms (within party) .”

“However, some of our associates, to protect their diminishing political relevance, are challenging the edicts of the Akal Takht, which is deeply unfortunate,” she said.

Former Ministers Prem Singh Chandumajra, Parminder Singh Dhindsa and former legislator Justice Nirmal Singh said the political conference during Maghi Mela has been called disregarding the decree of the five high Sikh priests.

The rebel leaders have also sought time from Akal Takht Jathedar Raghbir Singh for a meeting over the issue after Maghi mela in Muktsar.

They are likely to meet the Jathedar after January 14.