North News
Chandigarh/Amritsar, December 3
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Singh Badal began performing religious punishment on Tuesday at the Golden Temple in Amritsar, following directives from the Akal Takht. Sitting in a wheelchair at the gate with a plaque around his neck and a spear in hand, Badal commenced his penance for the “mistakes” committed by the SAD government in Punjab between 2007 and 2017.
The five high priests, led by Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh, on Monday pronounced the religious punishment, or tankhah. Badal and his former cabinet colleagues are required to clean toilets, serve in the langar (community kitchen), perform Nitnem (daily prayers), and recite the Sukhmani Sahib. Citing health issues, Badal and senior leader Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa were instructed to serve as gatekeepers at the Golden Temple for two days, dressed in traditional servant attire and holding spears as a gesture of humility.
The clergy also withdrew the honorary title of Fakhre-e-Qaum from former Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, Sukhbir’s father. Besides it, former Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh, who controversially pardoned Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim allegedly under pressure from the Badals, will have all privileges revoked.
The Takht has directed the recovery of funds spent on Dera-related advertisements, with interest, from leaders including Sukhbir Badal, Sucha Singh Langah, and Daljit Singh Cheema. After two days of service at the Golden Temple, Badal will complete his penance at Sri Kesgarh Sahib, Sri Damdama Sahib, Sri Muktsar Sahib, and Sri Fatehgarh Sahib. His time to hold the spear while seated is scheduled from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM.
The decision is part of the Akal Takht’s response to the mistakes made by the SAD and its government during their tenure from 2007 to 2017. Badal had previously been declared “tankhaiya” on August 30 for his role in decisions that allegedly harmed the Sikh community’s image, including the revocation of a blasphemy case against Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim, failure to punish those behind the Bargari sacrilege, and his appointment of controversial officers like Sumedh Singh Saini as Punjab DGP.
Previously, Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh, announcing the verdict, stated, “As Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab and president of the Shiromani Akali Dal, Sukhbir Singh Badal made decisions that severely damaged the image of the Panth and greatly weakened the SAD. Until Sukhbir Singh Badal appears before the Takht Sahib as a humble Sikh to apologize for his offenses, he is declared tankhaiya.”
Badal had appeared before the Akal Takht on July 24, where he submitted a written explanation in response to the allegations, including the mishandling of the Bargari sacrilege and the Kotkapura and Behbal Kalan firing incidents.
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