Chandigarh, May 14, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Senior Akali leader and Shiromani Akali Dal Punar Surjeet General Secretary Gurpartap Singh Wadala on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on Sukhbir Singh Badal, accusing him of operating from behind the scenes and pushing Sri Akal Takht Sahib and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) into confrontation with the Punjab Government over the sacrilege law issue.
In a press statement issued through Tejinder Singh Pannu, Wadala said that historically every Panthic struggle had been fought by the Shiromani Akali Dal under the guidance and patronage of Sri Akal Takht Sahib. He said the Akali Dal was established as a struggle-oriented Panthic force whenever governments attempted to challenge the sanctity of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Sikh traditions or Sikh principles.
However, Wadala alleged that for the first time, the Shiromani Akali Dal led by Sukhbir Badal had chosen to stay in the background while pushing Sri Akal Takht Sahib into direct confrontation with the government.
Referring to the anti-sacrilege legislation, Wadala pointed out that the SGPC itself had passed a resolution in 2007 demanding a strict law against sacrilege incidents. He said that despite being in power for two terms, the then SAD-BJP government failed to implement such legislation.
He further stated that the present Aam Aadmi Party government had now enacted the law after making certain amendments to the original bill brought by the Badal government, but the SAD leadership was unable to accept it politically.
Wadala claimed that initially the SGPC President had appreciated the bill, but later changed stance after directions allegedly came from the party leadership. Instead of taking direct action, he said, the matter was pushed towards Sri Akal Takht Sahib.
He also referred to the recent summoning of the Punjab Assembly Speaker by Akal Takht and the issuance of a 15-day ultimatum to the Punjab Government for amendments in the law. Wadala said this had created a direct confrontation between the government and Sri Akal Takht Sahib.
Questioning the role of the SAD leadership, Wadala said that despite such a serious Panthic issue, the party’s core committee meeting held in Chandigarh on May 11 merely directed the SGPC President to constitute a panel of experts to identify legal flaws in the legislation.
“It is surprising that while Sri Akal Takht Sahib has issued a 15-day ultimatum to the government, the Akali Dal leadership is behaving as if it has no direct responsibility in the matter,” he said.
Wadala added that if the government failed to act on the ultimatum, the Akali Dal itself would eventually have to lead the struggle, as it had traditionally functioned as the working force of Sri Akal Takht Sahib.
He alleged that creating a sensitive Panthic situation and then distancing itself from the issue reflected political confusion within the SAD leadership. Wadala said the Sikh community was closely observing the developments with serious concern.
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