Akal Takht Orders Ex-Punjab CM Sukhbir Singh Badal To Clean Toilets; Here's Why

Former Punjab Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal has been declared a 'tankhaiya' by the Akal Takht Jathedar. This decision follows a meeting of the five 'Singh Sahiban' to address issues concerning Badal. The religious body has ordered him and his companions to clean bathrooms and wash utensils at the langar for one hour each.

Badal, along with other core committee members and former Cabinet leaders from 2015, will perform these tasks on 3 December from noon to 1 pm. Afterward, they are required to bathe and serve in the langar house. Additionally, they must recite Sri Sukhmani Sahib while wearing a plaque declaring Badal as a Tankhaiya outside Sri Darbar Sahib.

Religious Punishment for Misconduct

The Akal Takht's decision came after Badal requested a meeting of the Sikh clergy to pronounce 'tankhah' (religious punishment) on him. He cited that over two and a half months had passed since being declared 'tankhaiya'. On August 30, the Jathedar had labelled him 'tankhaiya' for mistakes made by his party from 2007 to 2017.

Earlier, Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh summoned the entire Akali Dal Cabinet from 2007 to 2017. The call also included the SAD's core committee and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee's internal committee for December 2. SGPC chief Harjinder Singh Dhami was also asked to attend.

Rebellion Within Shiromani Akali Dal

The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) is experiencing significant internal rebellion. Some leaders have revolted against Badal, demanding his resignation as party chief after their poor performance in Punjab's Lok Sabha elections. The party did not participate in the November 20 bypolls due to Badal's inability to secure temporary relief from the Akal Takht.

Badal was declared 'tankhaiya' following appearances by rebel leaders like Prem Singh Chandumajra and former SGPC chief Jagir Kaur before the Akal Takht on July 1. They sought forgiveness for four "mistakes" during SAD's tenure between 2007 and 2017, including failing to punish those responsible for sacrilege incidents in 2015 and pardoning Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in a blasphemy case from 2007.

Consequences of Religious Misconduct

The resignations of leaders who have left the Shiromani Akali Dal should be accepted within three days. Those who rebelled against SAD were reprimanded and advised to remain with the party. This development highlights ongoing tensions within SAD as it grapples with its most severe rebellion in its century-long history.

After being declared 'tankhaiya', Badal appeared before the Akal Takht seeking an apology for his party's mistakes during their governance from 2007 to 2017. This situation underscores challenges faced by SAD amid internal dissent and external pressures.