Elected Akali Dal president twice since 2008, Sukhbir Badal was declared ‘tankhaiya’ by Akal Takht in August. SAD insiders say resignation is a preemptive measure.
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.
Is there a place for a counter-bureaucracy, or a separate and competing bureaucracy to counterbalance the force of the executive’s bureaucracy, asked author MH Mody in 1980.
With bad loans shrinking & capital buffers stronger, urban co-op banks’ new umbrella body NUCFDC is now prioritising rollout of digital transformation.
If deal goes through, Greece will be 2nd foreign country to procure vehicle. Morocco was first; TATA Group has set up manufacturing unit there with minimum 30 percent indigenous content.
Many of you might think I got something so wrong in National Interest pieces written this year. I might disagree! But some deserve a Mea Culpa. I’d deal with the most recent this week.
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