‘Many forces trying to weaken us’: Sukhbir Badal warns of threats to Sikh institutions, urges Panthic unity
Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal) president Sukhbir Singh Badal asserted on Tuesday that only collective strength could help Sikhs regain political power and protect their institutions.
Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal) president Sukhbir Singh Badal on Tuesday asked Sikhs to recognise the “invisible inimical forces” that were trying to create a divide in the Panthic party as he issued fervent appeals for unity among all Panthic factions.
Badal was speaking at a function organised by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) at Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib in Anandpur Sahib to commemorate the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur. The Punjab government and the SGPC organised parallel functions to mark the occasion.
The SAD chief asserted that only collective strength could help them regain political power and protect their institutions. “Have you ever heard Hindus, Christians and Muslims attacking their institutions? Have you heard them talking the way we are talking against our SGPC? I am saddened to note that only Sikhs are out to weaken their institutions.”
He said the SGPC is not anyone’s property; it is of the “quam”. “Many forces are trying to weaken the quam. Till we recognise these forces and counter them, we will not succeed. The same faith is being weakened for which the Guru sacrificed his head. The SAD was formed to safeguard Sikh interests. Real Akali Dal is SAD (Badal). Many forces are trying to destroy Sikh institutions,” Badal added.
Badal’s appeal for unity came a few days after the Tarn Taran Assembly byelection results, where the SAD came second. Another SAD faction leader, Mandeep Singh, secured a significant share of votes, and it was suggested that a united SAD could have won the contest, which was ultimately bagged by the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
Badal chose the occasion of 350th martyrdom day to give a call for unity. He alleged that attempts were being made across the country to bring Sikh institutions under government control. “It is only because of this division that they are trying to take control of Sikh institutions. Things have come to such a pass that Hazoor Sahib Committee earlier had five SGPC members, but now the Maharashtra government has taken control of Takht Hazoor Sahib. The Delhi Gurdwara Committee (DGSGMC) has also been taken over by the Union Government. They know the Sikh community draws its strength from Gurdwaras, and that is why they seek control,” he said.
He took a dig at the Centre for its bids to weaken the SGPC and criticised Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for speaking against the Akal Takht Jathedar. “Who had the courage to do so earlier? Badal Sahib (former CM Parkash Singh Badal) used to say that for any religion to be strong, political power is a must.”
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The SAD chief also mocked Mann, stating that the cities declared holy by him yesterday were actually declared holy by Parkash Singh Badal 15 years ago and claimed that major development in the area occurred during the Akali governments.
SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami slams Centre
Earlier, SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami hit out at the Centre for “encroaching on Punjab’s rights”. “The issues of Panjab University, appointment of a lieutenant governor over Chandigarh, and deployment of CISF in Bhakra are examples of Delhi’s attempts to weaken Punjab,” he said.
Dhami said the Centre was trying to divide the Sikh Panth and asserted that the right to organise religious functions rested exclusively with the SGPC. “Despite the Centre creating the Haryana Committee and attempting interference in Sikh institutions, the SGPC and SAD have consistently stood firm to protect the rights of Sikhs across the country,” he said.
He announced that the SGPC would dedicate an entire year to spreading the teachings of Guru Tegh Bahadur across the world through the Dharam Parchar Committee. He added that the SGPC had passed a resolution demanding the release of Bandi Singhs who had completed their sentences and revealed plans to construct a 1,000-room inn in honour of Guru Tegh Bahadur in Amritsar.
Kanchan Vasdev is a Senior Assistant Editor in The Indian Express’ Punjab bureau. She is a highly experienced journalist with 22 years of expertise covering high-stakes politics, governance, and social issues in Northern India.
Professional Background
Role: Primary reporter covering the Punjab Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), government policies, and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leadership in the state.
Experience: She previously worked with The Tribune and has played a key role in launching various city editions.
Special Projects:
Abandoned Brides: Authored a monograph on brides abandoned by NRIs as part of the Prabha Dutt Memorial Fellowship.
Environment: Worked as a Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) fellow, focusing on the pollution levels in the Satluj river.
Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025)
Her recent reporting focuses on the legislative strategies and political maneuvers of the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government:
1. Legislative & Governance Standoffs
"Punjab govt advances special Assembly session to pass resolution against VB-G RAM G Bill" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on the state's move to block the Centre's "Viksit Bharat" mission, which the state claims will undermine MGNREGA.
"Punjab govt doubles down on special sessions, sixth in January" (Dec 19, 2025): Detailing the AAP government's use of special sessions as a legislative tool amid tensions with the Governor.
"Punjab asks 'VIP teachers' working near Chandigarh to go back to border districts" (Dec 16, 2025): Reporting on CM Mann's move to end the practice of influential teachers avoiding postings in remote areas.
2. Political Analysis & Rural Polls
"Punjab rural polls: Why Akalis are likened to dinosaurs in Punjab" (Dec 19, 2025): Analyzing CM Bhagwant Mann's rhetoric against the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) following local body elections.
"AAP claims win in 78% Punjab zila parishads as counting continues" (Dec 18, 2025): Breaking down the results of the 2025 rural elections.
"Rahul Gandhi and Sidhu alike, says Bhagwant Mann" (Dec 13, 2025): Covering the CM's critique of the Congress leadership.
3. Law Enforcement & Bureaucracy
"Suspended Punjab IPS officer Ravjot Kaur Grewal awaits reinstatement" (Dec 10, 2025): Investigative reporting on the bureaucratic red tape involving the Election Commission and the state government.
"Punjab declines to give parole to Amritpal Singh" (Nov 27, 2025): Detailing the state government's refusal to grant parole to the radical preacher and sitting MP.
4. Welfare & Economy
"Punjab government's plan to add more freebies to 'atta-dal' scheme hits funds roadblock" (Dec 4, 2024): An analysis of the fiscal challenges facing the state's flagship food security program.
"Mann leads Punjab delegation to Japan and South Korea for investor outreach" (Dec 2, 2025).
Signature Beat
Kanchan Vasdev is known for her insider access to Punjab's political executive. Her writing provides deep insights into how state policies are formulated and the friction points between the state government and central authorities. Her dual expertise in environment and law allows her to report on complex issues like the "Farmhouse Policy" (Dec 18, 2025) and river pollution with a unique policy-oriented lens.
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