Shiromani Akali Dal MLA and one of the five members of the Akal Takht panel to run the membership drive for the ‘party,’ Manpreet Singh Ayali, said Tuesday he and his colleagues have been following the instructions of the supreme temporal seat of the Sikhs to enrol new members.
In December last year, the Akal Takht formed the panel for the reorganisation of the SAD through a new membership drive to elect new delegates and a president. However, the SAD working committee declined to allow the Akal Takht panel to run the membership drive, citing legal technicalities involving the Election Commission of India.
The SAD panel then ran the drive on its own, and claimed to have recruited around 32 lakh members in a month. The SAD concluded its one-month-long drive on February 20, but Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh has not recognised it. The party started the process of electing delegates Tuesday, after which a president will also be chosen.
Talking to The Indian Express, Ayali said that so far, there has been no deadline for the membership drive, and that the Akal Takht panel is in no hurry. “They (SAD) are working as per the Election Commission, we are working as per Akal Takht. There has been no deadline. It may continue for six months. Then there may be Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) elections around the corner,” he said.
Last week, the Akal Takht panel got a shot in the arm when former SGPC president Gobind Singh Longowal joined the membership drive. Longowal was once considered close to Sukhbir Singh Badal.
The considerable presence of those who want to become members at gatherings called by the Akal Takht panel is grabbing eyeballs.
Addressing a gathering in Patiala Monday, Ayali said the Akali Dal has devolved into a one-person show
“So far, we have organised four gatherings in the Jalandhar, Malerkotla, Patiala, and Sangrur districts to enrol new members. We will shift our focus to cities afterward, as wheat harvesting is starting. We are getting a great response. Everyone has been coming forward to join the party, as there is a feeling that it is their obligation to stand up for the membership drive started by Akal Takht Sahib,” said Ayali.
Story continues below this ad
Along with Ayali, panel members Gurpartap Singh Wadala, Iqbal Singh Jhundan, Santa Singh Umaidpur, and Bibi Satwant Kaur have been holding these gatherings for the membership drive.
On the SAD’s move to elect a new president, Ayali said, “We have nothing to do with them. They have their own party. We are dedicated to the Akal Takht Sahib.”
On his reasons for going against the SAD line, he said, “I had decided to quit politics. I enjoyed good relations with Sukhbir Singh Badal and others. I didn’t want any tussle. But it was an order from Akal Takht Sahib that I was not in a position to say no to. I had to follow the order. I would have stepped back if the party had agreed to run the membership drive as per Akal Takht Sahib’s directions.”
Addressing a gathering in Patiala Monday, Ayali said the Akali Dal has devolved into a one-person show, eroding its ability to earn farmers’ trust on crucial agricultural issues despite persistent efforts.
Story continues below this ad
“The tragic incident at Bargari shattered the unity of the Panthic vote, while our stance on the farmers’ movement, combined with our support for the BJP, further alienated us from this vital constituency,” he said.