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Ongoing Upheaval in Sikh Electoral Politics in Punjab

August 5, 2024 | By Sikh Siyasat Bureau

The landscape of Sikh electoral politics is currently marked by significant upheaval and fluidity, reflecting a period of intense transformation and factionalism. The Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal) is at the center of this turbulence, as internal rifts have erupted within the party. The faction led by Sukhbir Singh Badal has expelled several senior leaders, accusing them of “anti-party activities,” after the latter announced to organize “Akali Dal Sudhaar Lehar” (SAD-Badal Reform Movement). Meanwhile, Khadoor Sahib MP Amritpal Singh’s father, who is leading his faction as Amritpal Singh is detained under NSA, and Faridkot MP Sarabjit Singh have demonstrated a strategic closeness by announcing to hold a joint conference in Baba Bakaala. Adding another layer to the dynamic, ex-Jathedar Jasbir Singh Rodey has announced plans to unite various ‘panthic’ electoral factions, seeking an active role in current scenarios of electoral politics. This evolving situation underscores the volatility and shifting alliances of the current times.

Trouble in SAD Badal Deepens:

SAD (Badal) has been grappling with a series of setbacks that have eroded its once-dominant position in Sikh electoral politics. The party’s troubles began in September 2015 when Dera Sauda Sirsa chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim was controversially pardoned, an action that was followed by the highly troublesome Bargari Beadbi incident and the Behbal Kalan police firing. These events, coupled with the fact that the pardon was sanctioned by SGPC-appointed Jathedars—a body controlled by SAD (Badal)—fueled significant backlash.

The recent turmoil within SAD (Badal) intensified following a humiliating defeat in the Lok Sabha elections, which exposed internal fractures and prompted a revolt against Sukhbir Singh Badal’s leadership. Senior party figures accused Sukhbir Badal of mishandling critical issues, including the pardon for Ram Rahim and the failure to deliver justice for the beadbi incidents. They submitted a four-page letter to the SGPC-appointed Akal Takht Jathedar, Giani Raghbir Singh, outlining their grievances. The Jathedars subsequently issued a summons to Sukhbir Badal, who has since provided a written reply.

The discontent among the party’s senior members led to the formation of the “Akali Dal Sudhar Lehar” (SAD Badal Reform Movement). In response, the faction led by Sukhbir Singh Badal retaliated by expelling prominent leaders, including SAD (Badal) patron Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa and senior leaders Prem Singh Chandumajra, Gurpartap Singh Wadala, Bibi Jagir Kaur, Parminder Singh Dhindsa, and Charanjit Singh Brar.

As the divide between SAD (Badal) chief Sukhbir Singh Badal and the rebel faction led by Prem Singh Chandumajra and other senior party leaders deepens, the next moves of the rebel faction will be crucial.

Amritpal Singh’s Faction and Sarabjit Singh Khalsa Showcase Closeness:

Meanwhile, Faridkot MP Sarabjit Singh and Tarsem Singh, father of the detained Amritpal Singh, have increased their joint appearances. With Amritpal Singh currently detained in Dibrugarh Jail under the National Security Act (NSA), Tarsem Singh has been holding political activity while representing his son.

Sarabjit Singh and Tarsem Singh have announced plans to hold a joint political conference at Baba Bakaala during the Rakhar Puniya mela, a notable regional socio-religious event. They have stated that the conference will serve as a platform for various “Sikh and Panthic” factions and organizations showcasing their collective stance.

Challenges Likely to Grow for SADA (Mann)

The political landscape for the Shiromani Akali Dal Amritsar (SADA Mann) has become increasingly uncertain. The party faced a significant setback when its president and sole elected representative, Simranjit Singh Mann, lost his Sangrur seat in the recent Lok Sabha elections. In contrast, Amritpal Singh emerged victorious from Khadoor Sahib and Sarabjit Singh Khalsa won from Faridkot.

Although SADA (Mann) had extended its support to Amritpal Singh during the election, it refrained from backing Sarabjit Singh Khalsa. In fact, Simranjit Singh Mann publicly criticized Sarabjit Singh, reflecting the strained relationship between them.

Following his victory, Sarabjit Singh Khalsa made it clear that his political trajectory diverged from Simranjit Singh Mann’s, reducing the prospects of reconciliation.

With Amritpal Singh’s faction now aligning with Sarabjit Singh Khalsa, the rift between these emerging alliances and SADA (Mann) is expected to widen further, intensifying the factional discord within Sikh political circles.

Palwinder Singh Talwara Alleges Life Threat

Palwinder Singh Talwara, a close aide of the late actor-turned-political activist Deep Sidhu, has recently raised serious concerns about his safety. In a recent interview, Talwara claimed that he is under threat due to a purported contract to eliminate him.

As a representative of a faction of “Waris Punjab De”— a group originally established by Deep Sidhu and subsequently led by Amritpal Singh after Sidhu’s tragic accident— Palwinder Singh Talwara has highlighted the gravity of his situation.

While he refrained from naming any individuals involved in the alleged plot, he asserted that there are call recordings in the possession of the police that corroborate his claims.

Talwara has indicated that he and Simranjit Singh Mann will soon hold a press conference to provide additional details on the threat.

Furthermore, Simranjit Singh Mann has reviewed these recordings and has already discussed the matter with Punjab’s top police officials.

Ex-Jathedar Jasbir Singh Rodey’s Activity:

Former Jathedar Bhai Jasbir Singh Rodey has announced to advance “Panthic unity” amidst the ongoing political turbulence. Jasbir Singh Rodey and his supporters have submitted a letter to the SGPC-appointed Akal Takht Jathedar, Giani Raghbir Singh, urging strong action against Sukhbir Badal.

In his announcement, Bhai Jasbir Singh Rodey asserted that his party, the International Panthic Dal (IPD), will actively work to unite like-minded individuals and groups.

However, the response to this call is yet to be seen, and it remains unclear how Amritpal Singh’s faction or supporters of Sarabjit Singh will react to Rodey’s initiative.

SGPC Voter Registration and Elections:

The deadline for voter registration for the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) elections has been extended once again, now until September 16. Despite these extensions, voter registration numbers remain low.

The SGPC elections are considered crucial, as control over this influential Gurdwara management body is seen as a significant factor in dominating the Sikh electoral landscape in Punjab.

All Sikh electoral factions are eagerly waiting for the SGPC elections, recognizing its importance. However, the likely multipolar nature of the contest may provide an opportunity for external influences, such as the BJP, to exploit the divisions among Sikh factions and further manipulate the electoral outcomes.

The recent DSGMC elections highlighted how a multipolar contest can provide open ground to the Indian State. Although SAD (Badal) emerged as the largest winner in DSGMC polls, it was significantly weakened, allowing the Delhi Darbar led by BJP to trigger a split in SAD (Badal) and place its co-opts in control of the DSGMC. This scenario underscores the potential for similar manipulation in the SGPC elections if divisions persist among Sikh factions.

ALSO READ – Emerging Dynamics in Sikh Electoral Politics of Punjab After Lok Sabha Results

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Related Topics: Amritpal Singh, Palwinder Singh Talwara, Sarabjit Singh khalsa, Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee ( SGPC), Sikh Electoral Politics in Punjab, Simranjit Singh Mann, Sukhbir Singh Badal

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