In a bold and decisive move, former Member of Parliament and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) patron Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa on Wednesday announced the revocation of the expulsion of eight ‘rebel’ leaders from the party. Asserting his authority as the party’s patron, Dhindsa declared the expulsions “unconstitutional”, challenging the party’s decisions and calling for a significant overhaul in its leadership.
“The decision to expel these leaders was against the party’s constitution. As the party’s patron, I revoke the expulsion of these eight leaders,” Dhindsa stated during a meeting held in Chandigarh. He emphasized the necessity of adhering to constitutional principles and announced his intention to write to SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal, demanding explanations and a resolution to this internal crisis.
The expelled leaders, who include prominent figures such as Prem Singh Chandumajra, Bibi Jagir Kaur, Gurpratap Singh Wadala, Dhinsa’s son Parminder Singh Dhindsa, Sikander Singh Maluka, Surjit Singh Rakhra, Surinder Singh Thekedar, and Charanjit Singh Brar, were accused of indulging in anti-party activities. However, Dhindsa and his supporters argued that these expulsions were a result of internal disagreements and were not justified.
Dhindsa announced plans to convene a general assembly to elect a new party president, emphasizing the need for leadership change. “The recommendations of the Jhunda Committee, which suggested a change in leadership, must be implemented. Sukhbir Badal should step down as the party president,” he asserted, referring to the committee's findings during the 2022 elections, which indicated a demand for new leadership within the party.
At the meeting, Wadala and Chandumajra reiterated the Jhunda committee’s recommendations, stressing the need for internal reforms. “We are working in accordance with the committee’s suggestions. Sukhbir Badal’s leadership has been questioned, and it's time for a change,” they stated.
They pointed that the Jhunda Committee was established after SAD’s repeated election defeats in 2022, under senior party leader and former MLA Iqbal Singh Jhunda. The committee gathered feedback from across Punjab, and the consensus was clear — there was a strong recommendation for a change in the party’s leadership. The committee advised that Sukhbir Badal should step down from his position.
“We are merely echoing the committee’s recommendations and advocating for the necessary changes as outlined,” they stated, emphasizing their commitment to following the committee's guidance for the party's renewal.
The expulsions, initially carried out by the SAD's disciplinary committee, led by former MP Balwinder Singh Bhundur, were described as a necessary action against anti-party activities. Senior SAD leader Bhundur criticized Dhindsa’s move, stating, “Dhindsa does not have the authority to override decisions taken by the party’s disciplinary committee. His actions are not in line with the party’s constitution.”
Accusing Dhindsa of acting like a “self-styled dictator” by attempting to invalidate decisions made through proper channels, Bhundur said: “It is unfortunate that instead of advising the party rank and file not to indulge in anti-party activities, Dhindsa had chosen to led the team of expelled leaders.”
Bhundur elaborated that the disciplinary action was taken after the expelled leaders ignored a resolution passed by the party’s working committee on June 26, appealing to everyone to discuss their misgivings in the party forum. “The expelled leaders had made their intention to work against the party further clear by forming a parallel organization without the approval of the party president and with the sole aim of misleading the party cadre,” he added.
Dhindsa’s stance, however, is gaining traction among many party members who feel marginalized under the current leadership. The leaders also emphasized their deep sacrifices for the Akali Dal, highlighting their enduring commitment through imprisonment and personal hardship.
In stark contrast, they argued, “Sukhbir Badal has not shared in such sacrifices. The party now stands divided into two distinct factions — one comprising those who have endured imprisonment for the party’s cause, and another of those who arrived in luxury cars, detached from the struggles faced by the former”.
The controversy underscored a growing rift within the country’s oldest political party — Shiromani Akali Dal, a party historically known for its disciplined structure. The dispute over leadership and the direction of the party highlighted deeper issues and called for a resolution that aligns with the party’s core values.
