EDITOR-IN-CHIEF.VINAY KOCHHAR/AMRITSAR/CHANDIGARH.
Sectarian issues have once again taken center stage in Punjab politics. For a long time, the Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal), the most influential force in Sikh politics, now faces challenges not only from the Aam Aadmi Party, the Congress, and the BJP, but also from the emerging Akali Dal Waris Punjab. Recent developments indicate that the focus of sectarian politics is rapidly shifting ahead of the 2027 assembly elections.
Sectarian Politics Has Always Revolved Around Sikh Religious Identity
Sectarian politics has always revolved around issues such as Sikh religious identity, the release of imprisoned Sikhs, sacrilege cases, the Sri Akal Takht Sahib, and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee. For a long time, the SAD Badal was its foremost representative, but over the past decade, its sectarian credibility has been increasingly questioned. Incidents of sacrilege, controversial decisions during the regime, and the declaration of Sukhbir Singh Badal as a “Tankhaiyya” by the Sri Akal Takht have all impacted the party’s credibility.
Release of imprisoned Sikhs and an aggressive stance on religious issues
In this environment, the Akali Dal (Warrior Punjab) led by MP Amritpal Singh is rapidly expanding its organization. Its activism has increased in rural areas and among Sikh youth. Its aggressive stance on the release of imprisoned Sikhs and religious issues has given it a new identity.
Brought Panthic Politics Back into the Spotlight
Recent protests in Chandigarh demanding the release of Amritpal Singh and other imprisoned Sikhs brought Panthic politics back into the spotlight. During the march towards the Chief Minister’s residence, police clashed with protesters, leading to the use of water cannons. Meanwhile, differences between the Punjab government and the Sri Akal Takht Sahib over the proposed anti-sacrilege law have also surfaced. The Akal Takht objected to the failure to take major Sikh institutions into confidence before drafting the law. There is also talk in political circles of leaders like Manpreet Singh Ayali, Iqbal Singh Jhundha, and Santa Singh Umedpuri moving towards new Panthic alternatives.
Why is SAD Badal’s concern heightened?
The sacrilege incidents, the release of imprisoned Sikhs, controversies related to religious matters, and the declaration of Sukhbir Singh Badal as a “Tankhaiya” (a traitor) have all dented the SAD Badal’s Panthic credentials. Meanwhile, the Akali Dal (Akali Dal) has increased its activism in rural areas and among Sikh youth. Political analysts believe that the traditional Panthic vote bank has begun to fragment, which could have a direct impact on the 2027 assembly elections.###USA###UK###CANADA###PANTHAK-POLITICS-NEWS###PUNJAB###CHANDIGARH###INDIA###AUSTRALIA###GERMANY###IRELAND###SWEDEN###EUROPE###CHINA###HUNGRY###FRANCE###ITLAY###ROME###RUSSIA###UKRAINE###VIETNAM###SINGAPORE###@