SAD Core Committee Backs Badal's Leadership After Poll Reflection

In a significant political development, the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) core committee convened on Thursday to deliberate on the party's performance in the recent 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Despite calls from within for leadership change, the committee unanimously expressed its support for Sukhbir Singh Badal's leadership. The meeting, which spanned over six hours, aimed to dissect the party's electoral outcomes and strategize for the future.

Charanjit Singh Brar, a prominent SAD leader, had earlier penned an open letter to Sukhbir Singh Badal, urging the formation of a new committee to rejuvenate the party. This suggestion comes in the wake of SAD securing only one seat out of thirteen in Punjab during the Lok Sabha polls, marking a significant decline in its vote share from 27.45 percent in 2019 to 13.42 percent in 2024.

Daljit Singh Cheema, a senior figure within SAD, communicated to reporters post-meeting that discussions were held in a positive and cooperative environment. He highlighted that President Badal would be consulting with party leaders individually and collectively to devise an overarching strategy moving forward. Cheema also mentioned the formation of a new disciplinary committee to address any grievances within the party ranks.

The core committee's meeting underscored its appreciation for Badal's leadership, particularly noting his sacrifices and decisions in the interest of the party over the past six months. The statement released by SAD post-meeting reaffirmed their confidence in Badal's leadership and his dedication to the party's cause.

Additionally, the committee addressed concerns over communal polarization and political misuse in society. It specifically criticized film actress-turned-MP Kangana Ranaut for her divisive comments, which they believe contributed to an incident at Chandigarh airport involving a CISF constable. The party also condemned an assault on a Sikh man in Haryana, viewing it as part of a broader conspiracy against SAD and the Sikh community.

Brar's proposal for a new committee includes notable members such as Balwinder Singh Bhundar as convener and MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal among others. This move is seen as an effort to revitalize the party following its electoral setbacks and address internal calls for renewal.

The meeting also touched upon strategies for upcoming by-elections in Punjab, although decisions on this front are expected to be made in due course. Amidst discussions on electoral performance and future planning, the core committee took a firm stance against what it perceives as orchestrated campaigns to vilify the party and its leadership.

In conclusion, while facing electoral challenges and internal calls for change, SAD's core committee meeting has set a tone of introspection, unity, and forward planning. With full backing for Sukhbir Singh Badal's leadership, the party aims to navigate through its current challenges by engaging with its leadership and grassroots supporters alike.