Senior Leadership Shake-up in Shiromani Akali Dal

Sukhbir Singh Badal, president of the Shiromani Akali Dal, has appointed Balwinder Singh Bhundar as the party's working president. This decision precedes a crucial meeting of five Sikh high priests in Amritsar to discuss significant 'panthic issues.' The move indicates Badal's desire to appear as a 'humble Sikh' before the Akal Takht.

Sukhbir Singh Badal, president of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), appointed senior leader Balwinder Singh Bhundar as the party's working president on Thursday.

This strategic move comes a day before a critical meeting of the five Sikh high priests in Amritsar to address key 'panthic issues.' The Akal Takht, the supreme temporal authority of Sikhs, had earlier announced this meeting scheduled for August 30, to be led by Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh.

SAD leader Daljit Singh Cheema noted that Badal wished to relinquish his party responsibilities temporarily to present himself as a 'humble Sikh' before the Akal Takht, in light of allegations from rebel Akali leaders. Badal's gesture reflects his intention to seek 'unconditional forgiveness' for past mistakes made during SAD's tenure in power.

(With inputs from agencies.)