The party will decide on the issues of Sukhbir Badal’s resignation on Jan 10

Speaking to The Indian Express after the meeting, Cheema said, “The only issue was about who should oversee the fresh recruitment: the working committee or the committee formed by the Sri Akal Takht Sahib Jathedar. We submitted documents to the Jathedar explaining that legal constraints prevent an independent committee from managing the recruitment process. Only the working committee can oversee it. After hearing us, the Jathedar gave us permission to proceed within the constitutional framework.”

On Monday, Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh had asked the SAD (B) to avoid a dilly-dallying approach and immediately comply with the December 2 directives. As of now, the Jathedar has not issued any statement regarding the SAD (B)’s claims.

On December 2, while delivering a religious sentence to SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal and others, Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh had declared, “The leadership of the Shiromani Akali Dal has lost its moral authority to lead the Sikh Panth politically due to its actions. Therefore, the Five Singh Sahibans have formed a committee tasked with initiating the reorganisation of the Shiromani Akali Dal. The recruitment process must be genuine, with members enrolled using a copy of their Aadhaar card. Alongside the existing delegates, new delegates must be appointed, and within six months, elections for the president and other office-bearers must be held as per the constitution.”

Cheema also mentioned that the working committee would decide on Sukhbir Badal’s resignation on January 10.

Ending speculation surrounding the resignation, Cheema posted on X, announcing that “SAD working committee president Balwinder Singh Bhundar has convened a meeting of members on January 10 at 3 pm at the party head office in Chandigarh.” He added that the meeting would not only decide on Sukhbir’s resignation but also announce the schedule for a membership drive and fresh organisational elections.

Sukhbir Singh Badal recently conducted meetings with party workers in Muktsar Sahib and Lambi constituencies regarding arrangements for the January 14 Maghi Mela at Muktsar.

Amritpal kin prep for new party

Meanwhile, Sukhchain Singh, uncle of Khadoor Sahib MP Amritpal Singh, held a separate meeting in Muktsar to prepare for a panthic conference at the Maghi Mela, where he plans to launch a new political party.

Speaking to The Indian Express, Sukhchain Singh said, “We held a meeting on Wednesday with our Sri Muktsar Sahib workers, asking them to bring large numbers to the panthic conference on Maghi Mela. Sukhbir Singh Badal is trying his best despite the Akal Takht’s declaration that the current leadership is unfit to lead the party. They haven’t even implemented the directives of the Akal Takht. Let’s see what happens at their working committee meeting.”

Sukhchain Singh added, “We will announce details of our political party on Maghi Mela and launch it on public demand.”

The rival faction of Akali Dal also held a meeting in Rakhra village, Patiala, on Wednesday, further intensifying the political developments ahead of the Maghi Mela.

What will change?

The seven-member committee formed by Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh included rival leader Gurpartap Singh Wadala, estranged SAD (B) MLA Manpreet Singh Ayali, and Bibi Satwant Kaur, who is not affiliated with SAD (B). After the committee’s announcement, lawyer H S Phoolka expressed interest in joining the party and urged others to do the same, suggesting a complete reset for the SAD (B).

However, under the working committee—composed entirely of Sukhbir Singh Badal’s close confidants—the recruitment process may not attract those who have previously accused the party of being monopolised by the Badal family.