Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Singh Badal, adhering to a directive by Sri Akal Takht Sahib, undertook the religious punishment of ‘tankhah’ at the Golden Temple in Amritsar on Tuesday. Seen sitting in a wheelchair near the temple gate, Badal wore a plaque around his neck acknowledging the “mistakes” committed by the Akali Dal government during its tenure from 2007 to 2017. He also held a spear, symbolizing his penitence.
The punishment was pronounced by Giani Raghbir Singh, the Jathedar of the Akal Takht, on Monday. The Akali leaders were ordered to serve as ‘sewadars’ at various prominent Sikh religious sites. As part of this, Sukhbir Badal was directed to wash utensils, clean shoes, and listen to ‘kirtan’ at the Golden Temple for two days.
The decision also affects other leaders of the Akali Dal, who were part of the Punjab Cabinet or the core committee from 2007 to 2017. They are similarly required to undertake ‘sewa’ at Takht Kesgarh Sahib, Takht Damdama Sahib, Darbar Sahib at Muktsar, and Fatehgarh Sahib for two days each, wearing plaques detailing their “misdeeds.”
In a significant move, the Akal Takht also revoked the honorary title of ‘Fakhre-e-Qaum’ (Pride of the Community) that had been conferred upon former Chief Minister and SAD patriarch Parkash Singh Badal, who passed away in April last year. Additionally, the Sikh clergy directed the SAD working committee to accept Sukhbir Badal’s resignation as party president and conduct elections for a new leadership within six months.
Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, a senior Akali leader and one of the rebels in the party, was also subjected to similar directives. Both Dhindsa and Badal were asked to sit outside the Golden Temple for an hour each day in the attire of a ‘sewadar’ as part of their penance.
The directive reflects a significant moment in Punjab politics, intertwining religious accountability with the political legacy of the Akali Dal leadership. The visual of Sukhbir Badal carrying out the penance has sparked discussions about the party’s future and its reconciliation with the Sikh community.