Akali splinter groups seek role in panel for SAD revival

After Akal Takht advised the ‘baagi’ (rebel) and ‘daagi’ (tainted) groups of Akali Dal to wind up their separate bodies and reunite, a debate has started within all Akali Dal splinter groups on how this could be effected and to what extent.

The various groups including Shiromani Akali Dal Sudhar Lehar, Dal Khalsa, SAD (Amritsar) and SAD (1920) have already started discussions on the matter within their parties.

At the Sant Samaj meeting today at a gurdwara in Jodhan Mansuran near Ludhiana under the leadership of Baba Sarabjot S Bedi, the issue that representation should be given to all Akali groups in the newly-formed seven-member committee for resurrection of the new Akali Dal was flagged.

The same grouse is being expressed by leaders of almost all the groups including those represented by MPs Amritpal Singh and Sarabjot S Khalsa.

In view of the delay in acceptance of resignation of SAD working committee, even Sudhar Lehar is likely to postpone its meeting scheduled this Sunday for disbanding of its body. “There is no point in holding the meeting prior to the submission of acceptance of resignations with Akal Takht. So we may put off our meeting till then,” convener of Sudhar Lehar Gurpartap S Wadala said after attending a meeting of Dal Khalsa held at Moga today for reuniting of Sikhs for a common cause.

Kanwar Pal Singh of Dal Khalsa said, “Our meeting focussed on how the Panth could reunite in view of the various challenges that it is facing. All of us have ideological differences, but we have some common issues too. My suggestion has been that we can stay apart on certain issues and yet stand under one umbrella just as Hurriyat Conference does. But our condition is that Badals have to be completely excluded from this.”

Gurjant S Kattu, chief spokesperson of SAD (A), too made a point. “We too are for unity for certain common goals but not if Badals continue to have a say. Someone has to give us a call for this and ensure that everyone is duly represented.”

Former SGPC chief Jagir Kaur maintained, “Coming together is the only way forward for the good of the Panth and the state. I have had conversation with many leaders including former minister Adesh Partap S Kairon and Rattan S Ajnala. They all want to be on the same platform, especially after Sukhbir Badal has admitted to his sins.”