Sikh groups, Scholars slam SAD rebels’ membership drive ; Accuses them of misusing Akal Takht’s name

Chandigarh, April 4 2025 (Bharat Khabarnama Bureau) – The ongoing membership campaign by a rebel faction named as ‘Sudhar Lehar’ of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has drawn sharp criticism from Sikh organizations, who have accused the dissident leaders of exploiting the sanctity of Sri Akal Takht Sahib for political gains at the behest of anti-Panthak forces.

In a strongly worded appeal to the Akal Takht jathedar, presidents and office-bearers of at least six gurdwaras and three charitable trusts in Mohali and Ludhiana have expressed deep concern over the “misuse” of the Akal Takht’s name in the controversial membership drive.

Gurdwaras, Charitable Trusts demand action

Without directly naming the rebel leaders, the office-bearers of Sri Guru Singh Sabha gurdwaras and associated trusts have urged the Akal Takht Sahib to intervene and stop the unauthorized use of its name for political mobilization and to create divisions among the Sikhs. 

“This is not a right practice. Sikhs are present in all political parties, but using the Akal Takht’s name gives the impression that it is endorsing a particular faction. This must be stopped immediately,” read a representation from Mohali’s Sri Guru Singh Sabha gurdwaras.

The Ludhiana-based gurdwaras and charitable trusts went a step further, stating, “Some people who are not even Sikhs in the true sense are using Akal Takht’s name to issue membership slips without any address and logo for an unborn and unknown party. Such a thing has never happened in the history of Sri Akal Takhat Sahib. They have no right to exploit its name for political interests.”

Rebels defy SAD constitution, eye new outfit

Many Sikh scholars and academicians, including Baljit Singh from Bathinda, Harcharan Singh Moga have opined that the dissident group, labelling as messengers of Sri Akal Takhat Sahib  operating without registration under the Election Commission of India (ECI). This five members committee has been violating the SAD’s laid down constitution and memorandum of association while conducting its membership campaign beyond the provisions of society registration act. These personalities have clearly indicated that the rebel faction is preparing to formally announce a breakaway Akali Dal, challenging the legitimacy of the registered party, the SAD.

Meanwhile, senior leaders from the SAD have condemned the move, calling it a “blatant misuse of religious authority.” “They are misleading party workers by invoking the Akal Takht’s name for a party that has no legal standing,” a party insider said.  

Political and legal fallout expected

With Sikh institutions now openly opposing the rebels’ tactics, pressure is mounting on the Akal Takhat Sahib to clarify its stance. Meanwhile, the registered SAD is likely to escalate the matter legally, seeking court and ECI intervention to prevent any unauthorized use of the party’s name, symbols and properties.

Sikh political analysts warn that the deepening rift could further weaken the SAD’s position ahead of crucial elections. “The party’s unity is at stake in coming months and such internal conflicts may further erode its traditional voter base,” an octogenarian observer noted. As the controversy intensifies, all eyes are on the Akal Takht Sahib and the ECI to take decisive action against what many see as an unethical and unconstitutional power struggle within Punjab’s oldest regional party.