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The establishment of a new Sikh panthic political party, Akali Dal Waris Punjab De (WPD), spearheaded by jailed Khadoor Sahib MP Amritpal Singh, has stirred the political landscape in Punjab. Announced at the Maghi Mela conference in Sri Muktsar Sahib, this development reflects growing discontent with the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), once the dominant force in Sikh politics.
Formation of Akali Dal WPD
In Amritpal Singh’s absence, his father, Tarsem Singh, and Faridkot MP Sarabjit Singh Khalsa unveiled the party with a rallying cry of “Panth Bachao, Punjab Bachao” (Save Panth, Save Punjab). They declared a five-member executive committee, including prominent Sikh leaders, to manage the party’s affairs until a president is elected at Takhat Damdama Sahib during Baisakhi.
The party’s launch marked a significant moment in Sikh politics. The Maghi Mela event, commemorating the martyrdom of 40 Sikh warriors at the battle of Muktsar (called Khidrane de dhab at the time), 1705, has historically been a key platform for panthic leaders and for SAD. However, this year’s conference witnessed the emergence of three factions: SAD (Badal), SAD (Amritsar), led by Simranjit Singh Mann and the newly formed Akali Dal WPD, each claiming to represent Sikh interests.
Challenges to SAD’s Dominance
SAD (Badal), once synonymous with panthic politics, faces mounting criticism for deviating from its spiritual and political roots. The leadership of Sukhbir Badal has come under scrutiny, with accusations of neglecting panthic principles during the party’s tenure from 2007 to 2017. This erosion of trust has opened the door for new players like the Akali Dal WPD to challenge the status quo.
Sukhbir Badal’s recent resignation as leader of the party and subsequent apology to the Akal Takht highlight the party’s struggles to reclaim its panthic vote bank. Despite efforts to mend ties with the Sikh community, including religious penance and appeals for restoring the Panth Rattan Fakhr-e-Qaum title to Parkash Singh Badal, the party’s hold remains tenuous. The party also faces a significant infighting threatening division into breakaway factions. Despite his resignation however, the party leaders have pushed Sukhbir Badal as the Chief Ministerial candidate for the 2027 Assembly elections.
A New Direction for Sikh Politics
The Akali Dal (WPD)’s “Shri Muktsar Sahib Declaration” outlined a 15-point resolution addressing core issues such as drug addiction, migration of youth, farmers’ rights, and unity in Sikh politics. While avoiding direct calls for Khalistan, the party prominently featured images of historical figures associated with Sikh struggles, signaling a shift towards a more assertive panthic narrative.
Faridkot MP Sarabjit Singh Khalsa, son of Beant Singh, one of Indira Gandhi’s assassins, emphasized the party’s commitment to restoring trust in Sikh politics. He criticized the SAD (Badal) for failing to uphold the community’s interests and vowed to address issues neglected by previous leadership.
Historical Context and Future Implications
The Shiromani Akali Dal’s history is marked by splits and reunifications, reflecting the complex and often volatile nature of Sikh politics. From its founding in 1920 under British rule to its alliances with the BJP and internal power struggles, the party has seen both triumphs and setbacks. However, the emergence of Akali Dal WPD signals a new phase in this narrative.
Analysts believe the WPD’s rise underscores the fragmentation of panthic politics, with SAD (Badal) losing ground to new forces and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). The inclusion of radical elements and younger leaders in WPD reflects a broader shift in voter sentiment, particularly among disillusioned Sikh youth.
As Punjab grapples with socio-political challenges, the Akali Dal WPD’s entry into the political arena raises questions about the future of panthic politics. Amritpal Singh, appointed the leader of Akali Dal WPD, styles himself as the modern reincarnation of radical Sikh preacher, militant and staunch Khalistan advocate, Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale. With the victory of Sarbjit Singh Khalsa and Amritpal, experts express concern of a rise in militancy in the state, and insurgency due with the region’s close proximity to the border.
Whether this new force can unite the Sikh community or deepen existing divisions remains to be seen. For SAD (Badal), the task ahead is formidable: rebuilding trust, reconnecting with its traditional base, and navigating the rising tide of dissent within Punjab’s political landscape.
Manbilas Singh is a talented writer and journalist who focuses on the finer details in every story and values integrity above everything. A self-proclaimed sleuth, he strives to expose the fine print behind seemingly mundane activities and aims to uncover the truth that is hidden from the general public. In his time away from work, he is a music aficionado and a nerd who revels in video & board games, books and Formula 1.
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