Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab Media In-charge Baltej Pannu on Monday accused the Badal family of transforming the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) from a Panthic movement built on sacrifice into a personal political platform, alleging that Sikh institutions had been systematically used for political and personal interests. The remarks came during a press conference where Pannu raised a series of questions regarding the controversy involving former SAD leader and SGPC member Amarjit Singh Chawla.
Pannu said the history of the Akali movement was rooted in sacrifice, with ordinary Akali workers earning respect through their contributions to the Panth. He claimed that the tradition had weakened after one family gained control of the party, adding that the Akali Dal could no longer be described as a truly representative Panthic organization.
“The very name Akali Dal Badal reflects how the party has become associated with one family,” Pannu said, questioning what agenda the Badal-led party had set for the Sikh community.
Referring to the FIR registered against Amarjit Singh Chawla, Pannu alleged that the case had raised serious concerns about the functioning of Sikh institutions. He questioned how a woman could allegedly stay for months at an SGPC-run sarai in Sri Anandpur Sahib and sought clarity on who arranged her accommodation, transportation and other facilities.
Pannu also demanded answers from SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami, asking what action was taken when the woman reportedly approached him with complaints. He questioned why the issue remained unresolved for weeks and months despite repeated claims that SGPC could handle such matters internally.
AAP leader further questioned the roles of Youth Akali Dal President Sarabjit Singh Jhinjer and senior Akali leader Virsa Singh Valtoha, asking why the woman was brought from Bahrain and what purpose was served by the events surrounding the controversy. He said Sukhbir Singh Badal and Harjinder Singh Dhami must provide answers to these questions.
Pannu also criticized the continued use of religious honorifics by individuals facing serious allegations, saying such titles carry significance in Sikh tradition and should reflect conduct and contribution.
Referring to the decision of Sri Akal Takht Sahib on September 20 to excommunicate Amarjit Singh Chawla and SGPC employee Malkit Singh from the Khalsa Panth, Pannu described the episode as part of a broader pattern of alleged control and misuse of Sikh institutions for political purposes.
The AAP leader also revisited the 2015 sacrilege incidents and the subsequent Kotkapura and Behbal Kalan firing cases. He alleged that the handling of those incidents by the then SAD-led government hurt the sentiments of the Sikh community and weakened public trust.
Pannu claimed that Sikh institutions had increasingly been used to serve political interests rather than community welfare. Referring to discussions in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha regarding the alleged use of SGPC resources at private events, he questioned why controversial individuals continued to receive prominence within the organization.
He also referred to a recent event at Gurdwara Kandh Sahib in Batala, where Sucha Singh Langah was given a platform despite objections from sections of the Sikh community. Pannu said such decisions raised further questions about the functioning of Sikh institutions.
Questioning the extent of powers allegedly granted to Amarjit Singh Chawla, Pannu asked how permanent rooms, vehicles and sewadars could be provided and who funded those arrangements. He maintained that the SGPC leadership owed answers to the Sikh community.
Pannu further targeted Harjinder Singh Dhami, alleging that the SGPC chief had repeatedly projected himself as a “soldier of Sukhbir Singh Badal.” He urged Dhami to clarify whether his primary responsibility was toward the Badal family or Sikh institutions.
AAP leader also called on the SGPC to publicly display information regarding individuals who had been excommunicated from the Panth so that the Sikh community could remain informed and vigilant.
Questioning the silence of senior Akali leaders, including Harsimrat Kaur Badal and Bikram Singh Majithia, Pannu said the Badal leadership must explain how such powers were granted to Amarjit Singh Chawla and why no action was taken earlier.
Appealing to Sikh intellectuals and the wider Sikh community across the world, Pannu urged them to speak out on issues concerning Sikh institutions. He said transparency and accountability were essential to protecting religious institutions and maintaining the trust of the Sikh community.
