Sukhbir Singh Badal, who has been under fire for allegations of religious misconduct and the Shiromani Akali Dal's (SAD) declining political performance, tendered his resignation as the party president on Saturday. Badal, who held the position since 2008, cited the need for new leadership as the reason for stepping down, paving the way for the election of a new party chief.

The Context of the Resignation

The resignation comes amid mounting pressure from party members and leaders, including former MP Prem Singh Chandumajra and ex-SGPC chief Bibi Jagir Kaur, who blamed Badal for SAD's poor performance in successive elections. Under his leadership, the party won only 15 out of 117 assembly seats in 2017 and just three in 2022. The Lok Sabha performance also suffered, with SAD securing only one of Punjab's 13 parliamentary constituencies in the 2024 general elections.

Submission of Resignation

Badal, 62, submitted his resignation to the party’s working committee. SAD leader Daljit Singh Cheema announced the development, stating that Badal thanked party workers and leaders for their support during his tenure. Cheema further revealed that elections for SAD's office bearers are scheduled for December 14, with the working committee meeting on November 18 to discuss the transition and related party matters.

Reasons for Resignation

1. Religious Misconduct Allegations:
   In August, the Akal Takht, the highest temporal authority for Sikhs, declared Badal 'tankhaiya' (guilty of religious misconduct) for actions taken during the SAD government between 2007 and 2017. These included granting a controversial pardon to Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh and mishandling the 2015 sacrilege incidents in Punjab.

2. Internal Rebellion:
   The SAD faced its worst internal revolt, with a faction of leaders demanding the implementation of the Jhunda Committee's recommendations, which called for leadership changes following the party's dismal performance in the 2022 assembly elections.

3. Electoral Failures:
   Badal's leadership was criticized for the party’s declining electoral performance, with members citing his inability to connect with grassroots workers and voters.

Rebel Leaders’ Reaction

The resignation was welcomed by Gurpartap Singh Wadal, convener of the 'Shiromani Akali Dal Sudhar Lehar,' who called the move overdue. Bibi Jagir Kaur, who had demanded Badal’s resignation after the 2017 assembly debacle, reiterated that the focus was on strengthening the party, not personal gains.

Religious and Political Fallout

Badal’s resignation follows a turbulent period for SAD, marked by declining support from the Sikh panth and allegations of mishandling religious and political issues. Rebel leaders accused Badal of prioritizing political expediency over Sikh values, citing examples such as the decision to pardon the Dera chief and appoint controversial figures like Sumedh Singh Saini as Punjab's Director General of Police.

Path Ahead for SAD

The working committee’s upcoming meeting will decide the course of action for electing a new president and implementing reforms. Party insiders emphasize the need for a leader who can rebuild public trust and align the SAD with panthic and political aspirations.

As SAD faces one of the toughest challenges in its 103-year history, the focus shifts to uniting the party and addressing the concerns of Punjab’s Sikh community. The new leadership will have the monumental task of reviving the party’s fortunes and navigating it through a period of political and religious turbulence.

Sukhbir Singh Badal’s resignation marks the end of a significant chapter in SAD's history. While his tenure saw some successes, including the 2012 assembly victory, it was overshadowed by controversies and electoral setbacks. The coming months will be crucial for the party as it seeks to restore its relevance and credibility in Punjab’s political landscape.