The existential crisis currently facing the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has prompted several notable Sikh figures to appeal to the highest temporal seat of the Sikhs, Akal Takht, for the formation of a collective Panthic body to deliberate on the issue.
Activists including Parminder Pal Singh Khalsa of the Sikh Sewak Society International and Santokh Singh of the Bhai Gurdas Institute of Advanced Sikh Studies have asked Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh for a Sikh convention to be called before any decision is taken regarding the turmoil within SAD and the explanation submitted by its president Sukhbir Singh Badal.
They believe that merely imposing religious punishment will not resolve the deeper issues at hand and stress the need for concrete action through a forum comprised of representatives of the Panth. Convening the council under Akal Takht's leadership and coordination with Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has been proposed.
The admission of guilt by former SAD leaders for alleged mistakes during their tenure from 2007-2017 has placed both the party and SGPC in a difficult spot. All eyes are now on the forthcoming meeting of the five high priests to rule on the clarifications while avoiding blanket immunity.
The activists have sought a unanimous viewpoint be reached incorporating opinions of Panthic stakeholders before a final pronouncement is issued, to ensure justice is upheld and trust is restored.
