Chandigarh, September 21, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
AAP Punjab Media In-charge Baltej Pannu on Monday accused the Badal family of reducing the Shiromani Akali Dal from a Panthic political movement into a family-led party and alleged that Sikh institutions had been used for personal and political interests.
Addressing a press conference, Pannu raised questions over the controversy involving former Shiromani Akali Dal leader and SGPC member Amarjit Singh Chawla and a woman who, according to allegations cited by him, was accommodated for months at an SGPC-run sarai in Sri Anandpur Sahib.
Pannu sought an explanation on how the woman was accommodated at the sarai, who provided her with facilities including accommodation and a vehicle, and who bore the expenses. He also questioned the alleged roles of Akali leaders Virsa Singh Valtoha and Youth Akali Dal president Sarabjit Singh Jhinjer in bringing the woman to Sri Anandpur Sahib.
Referring to an FIR registered against Chawla, Pannu said the allegations raised questions about the functioning and accountability of Sikh institutions.
He specifically questioned SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami over the action allegedly taken after the woman approached him with her complaint.
Pannu also questioned why Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Bikram Singh Majithia and other leaders who frequently comment publicly on political and social issues had, according to him, remained silent on the matter.
He sought answers from Sukhbir Singh Badal and Dhami on how Chawla allegedly came to exercise such powers within institutions administered by the SGPC.
Pannu further criticised the use of honorifics such as “Bhai” and “Jathedar”, arguing that such titles in Sikh tradition were associated with conduct and contribution.
He referred to the reported action by Sri Akal Takht Sahib on September 20 against Amarjit Singh Chawla and SGPC employee Malkit Singh, saying the episode raised broader questions about the management of Sikh institutions.
Pannu also brought up the 2015 sacrilege incidents, including the theft of a saroop of Guru Granth Sahib from Burj Jawahar Singh Wala, subsequent protests and the Kotkapura and Behbal Kalan firing cases. He alleged that the handling of those incidents during the previous Badal-led government damaged the confidence of sections of the Sikh community.
The AAP leader also alleged that SGPC resources and institutions had previously been used to serve political interests. Referring to matters raised in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha regarding the use of SGPC resources for a langar at a bhog, he questioned the alleged prominence given to individuals facing controversies.
Pannu also referred to a recent event at Gurdwara Kandh Sahib in Batala involving former minister Sucha Singh Langah and questioned the decision to provide him a platform despite opposition from some members of the Sikh sangat.
He reiterated his questions about the facilities allegedly provided to Chawla, including rooms, a vehicle and sewadars, and sought clarity on who authorised them and who paid for the expenses.
Pannu also referred to Dhami’s reported description of himself as a “soldier of Sukhbir Singh Badal” and asked him to clarify whether he considered himself accountable to the Badal family or to the Sikh religious institution he headed.
He further demanded greater public disclosure regarding individuals who had been expelled from the Sikh Panth, including displaying relevant information at gurdwaras and sarais so that devotees could remain informed.
Pannu alleged that the Badal family’s years in power had contributed to serious problems in Punjab and said the Bhagwant Mann government was working to address issues facing the state. He also alleged that the management of Sikh institutions represented a separate challenge.
Appealing to Sikh intellectuals and the wider Sikh community, Pannu urged them to speak on issues concerning the functioning of Sikh institutions. He called for accountability from those responsible for their administration and criticised the continued political influence of the Badal family.
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