Bikram Majithia revolts against Sukhbir Badal, strongly opposes removal of Jathedars
Akali Dal acting chief Bhunder calls Majithia’s stand a betrayal, urges him to uphold party unit
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Speculation about differences between Majithia (left) and Sukhbir Singh Badal (right) had been circulating for some time. (Express Photos)The divide between former Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal and his brother-in-law Bikram Singh Majithia came out in the open after the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) removed Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh and Takht Kesgarh Sahib Jathedar Giani Sultan Singh.
Majithia, along with his close aides—including former minister Sharanjit Singh Dhillon, core committee member Lakhbir Singh Lodhinangal, and other senior leaders—issued a statement on Saturday, expressing strong resentment over the SGPC’s decision.
“We hold the honour and dignity of Sri Akal Takht Sahib Ji and the Jathedar Sahib Ji of the Takht Sahib in the highest regard. The decision taken yesterday by the SGPC has deeply hurt the sentiments of the Sikh Sangat as well as our own. Guru Sahib Ji has granted Sangat a divine status, and keeping in mind their emotions, we cannot agree with this decision,” the statement read.
Speculation about differences between Majithia and Sukhbir Singh Badal had been circulating for some time. Even Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had often mocked their strained ties, challenging them to share a common stage.
With this statement, Majithia has openly opposed the leadership on a sensitive issue for the Akali Dal. His faction also aligned itself with the SAD rebel group Sudhar Lehar, calling for unity.
“It is crucial to come together and build a common consensus to preserve the honour and dignity of Sri Akal Takht Sahib Ji. The recent developments have caused great distress among our party members and workers. This internal discord has strengthened anti-Panthic forces and weakened the Shiromani Akali Dal,” the statement added.
The leaders further urged party members to set aside personal rivalries and work for Punjab and the Panth.
Former SGPC president Gobind Singh Longowal also opposed the removal of the Jathedars, calling it a questionable move.
SAD acting chief calls Majithia’s move a betrayal
Reacting strongly, SAD acting president Balwinder Singh Bhunder accused Majithia of betraying the party.
“Majithia was wrong to question the SGPC’s decision—an institution whose first president was his great-grandfather, Sundar Singh Majithia. The Interim Committee took this decision after extensive deliberation,” Bhunder said in a statement.
He reminded Majithia of his political rise within the Badal family, asserting that Sukhbir Singh Badal had always stood by him during tough times.
“Instead of upholding the legacy of Parkash Singh Badal and standing firmly with Sukhbir Singh Badal, Majithia has chosen the wrong path. He should stop falling into the conspiracies of our opponents and work towards party unity,” Bhunder said.
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