The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), Punjab’s second-oldest political party, is grappling with an internal revolt as senior leaders push for a change in leadership, citing poor electoral performance and a decline in the party’s influence. Dissidents have openly challenged party president Sukhbir Singh Badal, demanding his resignation after the party’s poor show in both the Assembly and Lok Sabha elections. This discontent has only deepened the party’s crisis, threatening its very existence.
The rebel leaders, including prominent figures such as Jagir Kaur, Prem Singh Chandumajra, and Sikandar Singh Maluka, held a separate meeting in Jalandhar earlier this year, criticizing Sukhbir Badal for not listening to the party’s grassroots members. Jagir Kaur stated, “The party president does not make an effort to overcome the shortcomings. We are worried about how to rise from the situation we are in”. These dissidents have launched the “Shiromani Akali Dal Bachao” movement, with plans to form a committee to elect a new leader.
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Sukhbir Badal, who has led the party since the demise of his father, Parkash Singh Badal, faces significant opposition within the party over unresolved issues like sacrilege cases and declining vote shares. The party’s core committee, SAD’s highest decision-making body, has been dissolved to address the growing dissent. Despite these moves, the rebels, emboldened by the support of senior Akali leaders, continue to demand a new direction for the party.
However, loyalists within the SAD, including Harsimrat Kaur Badal, have dismissed the rebellion, claiming that only a handful of members are involved. Harsimrat stated, “These are just five people trying to please the BJP,” and defended Sukhbir’s leadership by emphasizing his strong support within the party.
With Akali Dal’s vote share plummeting to 13.42% in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, down from 27.45% in 2019, the stakes are higher than ever for the party to reform and reclaim its position in Punjab’s political landscape. How Sukhbir Badal navigates this leadership crisis will likely determine the future of the party.
