Chandigarh: Senior Sikh leader Giani Harpreet Singh on Friday urged Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief Sukhbir Singh Badal to relinquish his position as party president, asserting that such a move is essential to bring together the fragmented Akali factions. He also announced that he would step down from his own post if it helps achieve broader unity within the Panth.
Addressing the issue in a statement, Giani Harpreet Singh, who heads the Akali Dal Punar Surjit, said the continuation of Sukhbir Badal as party president remains a major obstacle to reconciliation among various Akali groups. According to him, leadership change at the top is necessary to create an atmosphere of trust and collective decision-making.
He added that his offer to resign was meant to demonstrate personal sacrifice for the larger cause of Panthic unity, stressing that positions should not stand in the way of rebuilding a united Akali platform. “If my resignation contributes to strengthening unity, I am prepared to step aside,” he said.
Giani Harpreet Singh maintained that only a clean break from the current leadership structure could open the door for meaningful dialogue among different Akali factions, many of which have remained divided over ideological and organisational differences.
There was no immediate response from the Shiromani Akali Dal leadership or Sukhbir Badal to the remarks. The statement, however, has added momentum to ongoing discussions within Sikh political circles about leadership accountability and the future direction of Panthic politics in Punjab.
