Sukhbir Badal Denied Relief by Akal Takht Over Religious Misconduct

SAD leader Sukhbir Singh Badal remains guilty of religious misconduct according to the Akal Takht Jathedar, without relief until punishment is given. A meeting is set for after Diwali, affecting Badal's role in upcoming bypolls. SAD will meet to address the political situation.

Sukhbir Singh Badal, the Chief of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), will not be granted temporary relief as confirmed by Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh on Wednesday. According to him, someone guilty of religious misconduct remains so until formally punished as per Sikh religious guidelines.

The Akal Takht, known as the Sikh community's highest temporal authority, had labeled Badal a 'tankhaiya' for mistakes by his party and government from 2007 to 2017. Despite a plea from SAD seeking relief for Badal, the punishment decision will only be considered post-Diwali.

With upcoming bypolls in Punjab, the SAD is amidst internal discussions and plans an emergency meeting of its working committee on October 24. This session intends to address current political strategies led by Balwinder Singh Bhundar, focusing on the four assembly segments up for election.

(With inputs from agencies.)