In a significant political development within Punjab’s Sikh leadership circles, Giani Harpreet Singh—the former acting Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib and Takht Damdama Sahib—has been unanimously elected as president of a breakaway faction of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD). The announcement came following a delegate meeting held in Amritsar under the aegis of a committee appointed by the Akal Takht.
This election marks a historic milestone: Giani Harpreet Singh becomes the first Sikh from a Scheduled Caste (SC) background to head any SAD faction, signalling a potential shift in the party’s internal dynamics and social representation.
Context and Background
The faction emerged following a December 2 edict from the Akal Takht, which directed a reorganisation of SAD’s structure and called for fresh membership drives and internal elections. A five-member committee—charged with this mandate—organised the election, which saw over 500 delegates agreeing on the leadership.
While the mainstream SAD under Sukhbir Singh Badal proceeded with its own internal processes—re-electing Badal as party president—the breakaway group emphasises its legitimacy by aligning with the Akal Takht’s directives and asserting continuity with the original SAD’s founding ethos.
Leadership and Structure
Aside from selecting Giani Harpreet Singh as president, the faction also appointed Bibi Satwant Kaur as the chairperson of its Panthic Council. Satwant Kaur, who comes from a noted Sikh family, is seen as the spiritual or religious head of the faction, complementing Harpreet Singh’s political leadership.
Broader Implications
This split highlights the deeper ideological and strategic rifts within the SAD. While the Badal-led faction continues with its political groundwork, the breakaway faction positions itself as protector of ‘Panthic integrity’—claiming to abide by religious edicts and restoring traditional church-state balance (Miri–Piri).
Notably, SAD veteran Gobind Singh Longowal expressed hope that this evolving leadership might eventually pave the way for reconciliation and internal unity.
** In Summary:** Giani Harpreet Singh’s elevation as president of a breakaway SAD faction marks a milestone in Punjab’s politics. Backed by the Akal Takht’s reorganisation committee and endorsed by over 500 delegates, he joins a leadership restructure that challenges the traditional SAD status quo. This faction now promises to bring renewed religious legitimacy and social diversity to the party’s fold—setting the stage for a potentially redefined Akali legacy.