Election was crucial for Akalis, as it took place amid tensions with Akal Takht, the highest temporal body of Sikhs, that works in close administrative contact with SGPC.
Move 'in solidarity' with party chief Sukhbir Badal, who was declared a sinner and 'barred' from contesting polls by the takht. Rivals say bid to benefit the BJP.
While SGPC rejected resignation of Takht Damdama Sahib jathedar Giani Harpreet, row comes soon after Sukhbil Badal was declared a 'tankhaiya' by Akal Takht, highest temporal body of Sikhs.
Development came a day after Akal Takht jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh issued directives to expel Valtoha from SAD after finding him ‘guilty of character assassination’ of Sikh clergy.
This is not the first time the Sikh body, which has indicted Sukhbir Badal for religious misconduct, is dealing with factionalism in the Akali Dal or intervening in political matters.
Akali chief has joined long list of people declared ‘sinners’ by Akal Takht. They are expected to accept humbling punishments; some who refused to repent have been excommunicated.
Akal Takht Jathedar declared SAD chief a 'tankhaiya', guilty of religious misconduct, and asked him to 'atone for his sins, failing which he will remain a sinner of Sikh religion'.
Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Badal in written response to Akal Takht says he takes ‘full responsibility as head of family’ for mistakes made while in govt. Temporal body yet to respond.
Circular issued by SGPC states that colour of cloth to cover Nishan Sahib should be in accordance with Rehat Maryada, or code of conduct for Sikhs approved by SGPC.
SAD chief clarified position on rebel leaders’ charge that he had ‘failed to satisfactorily represent’ Sikh community. If found guilty by Takht, Badal could be given religious punishment.
Migration in North India isn’t just due to lack of development today. It was shaped by the evolution of labour markets under Sher Shah, Mughals, and the East India Company.
December oil imports from Russia may drop nearly 50%, but Indian buyers already shifting to non-designated Russian entities and opaque trading channels to keep Russian oil flowing.
New Delhi is interested in firming up bilateral agreements for increased trade, mobility, upgrade of Su-30 MKI fighters and the increased range of BrahMos supersonic missiles.
The India-South Africa series-defining fact is the catastrophic decline of Indian red ball cricket where a visiting team can mock us with the 'grovel' word.
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