Chandigarh: After the election of Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh as the new President, the first meeting of the reconstituted faction of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) was convened today at the new party office in Chandigarh. The proceedings began with prayers, marked by the ‘bhog’ ceremony of the Sukhmani Sahib path, seeking the blessings of Guru Sahib for the party’s future journey.
Presiding over the meeting, Party President Giani Harpreet Singh and senior leaders discussed the prevailing situation in Punjab. The gathering expressed grave concern over several unresolved issues, including the refusal of both the Punjab and Central Governments to hold SGPC elections, the ongoing farmers’ crisis, lack of government support for industries, stoppage of the Rural Development Fund (RDF), cancellation of key road projects, and the overall deterioration of law and order in the state.
In a key decision, Giani Harpreet Singh approved the formation of a Vision Document Committee to address Punjab’s pressing challenges. The committee, chaired by Jathedar Iqbal Singh Jhunda, has been tasked with preparing the document within a month. It will consult stakeholders across the state to outline solutions for issues concerning both Punjab and the Panth.
The Core Committee also entrusted Justice Nirmal Singh with handling legal challenges, particularly those related to the SGPC elections. Justice Singh, along with his legal team, will oversee ongoing court cases and represent the party in other legal matters.
Appealing to the people of Punjab, Giani Harpreet Singh called for unity and participation in strengthening the Akali Dal. He urged the youth to come forward and contribute to making the party, which he described as their “mother party,” stronger and more people-centric.
The President also reviewed preparations for the death anniversary event of Sant Harchand Singh Longowal scheduled for August 20. Responding to media questions, he clarified that it was not their faction but the “Sukhbir Badal group” that continued to run parallel operations despite the hukamnama, choosing political interests over unity.
Prominent leaders present at the meeting included Jathedar Iqbal Singh Jhunda, Jathedar Santa Singh Umaidpuri, Jathedar Gurpratap Singh Wadala, Bhai Gobind Singh Longowal, Bibi Jagir Kaur, Sucha Singh Chhotepur, Prof. Prem Singh Chandumajra, Surjit Singh Rakhra, Sarwan Singh Phillaur, Parminder Singh Dhindsa, Babu Prakash Chand Garg, Justice Nirmal Singh, and several others.
