Rebel Akalis comply with Akal Takht directions, dissolve Sudhar Lehar

Adhering to the Akal Takht’s directives, the ‘rebel’ Akalis today dissolved the Shiromani Akali Dal (Sudhar Lehar), formed by several senior party leaders who had revolted against Sukhbir Singh Badal's leadership. The leaders announced the decision following a meeting held here today.

“SAD (Sudhar Lehar) has been dissolved officially today. All members have given their consent in this regard. The Akal Takht has been apprised of this development,” said its convener Gurpartap Singh Wadala.

He said they had dedicated themselves to consolidate and strengthen the SAD as per the December 2 Akal Takht directions.

The Takht had directed the rebel leaders to unite and work towards strengthening the SAD, urging them to set aside their differences and announced the formation of a seven-member committee under the leadership of Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami.

Wadala is part of the committee that would oversee the induction of fresh members, delegates and conduct elections for new president and other office-bearers within six months. Former SGPC president Kirpal Singh Bhadungar, Iqbal Singh Jhunda, Manpreet Singh Ayali, Santa Singh Umaidpuri and Satwant Kaur are also on the panel.

The rebel leaders, including former MP Prem Singh Chandumajra, former SGPC chief Jagir Kaur, former ministers Sikandar Singh Maluka, Parminder Singh Dhindsa, Sarwan Singh Phillaur and Surjit Singh Rakhra and others, had announced the launch of the SAD (Sudhar Lehar) under Wadala's leadership in July.

They had approached the Takht with “admittance of guilt” and a complaint against the “autocratic” decisions taken by the SAD leadership between 2007 and 2017.