National/Punjab Desk
24 July
Sandeep Dhand Ludhiana
Shiromani Akali Dal President Sukhbir Singh Badal appeared before Shri Akal Takht today, submitting his explanation in a sealed envelope to Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh. Further action will be determined after reviewing this clarification at a meeting of the Panj Singh Sahibs. Shiromani Committee President Harjinder Singh Dhami also submitted his explanation. This follows a July 15 directive for Badal to explain allegations made by an opposition faction. Badal complied today, accompanied by senior party leaders.
Before the meeting, Badal visited Sri Harmandir Sahib and Sri Akal Takht, avoiding media interaction. Jathedar Raghbir Singh confirmed receipt of Badal’s explanation, with further steps pending review by Panj Singh Sahibs.
On July 1, Shiromani Akali Dal’s dissenting leaders, including Bibi Jagir Kaur, submitted a letter to Shri Akal Takht, alleging major lapses during the Akali government’s tenure. Four key allegations against Badal were highlighted, including the withdrawal of a case against the Dera chief and failures in the 2015 desecration case.
Amidst internal turmoil, Badal dissolved the core committee yesterday, facing demands to resign as president. Separately, Harjinder Singh Dhami from the Shiromani Committee also provided a sealed explanation, addressing allegations of misused funds in the promotion of pardoning the Dera Sirsa Chief.