Shiromani Akali Dal Leadership Election Underway at SGPC Headquarters

Sukhbir Singh Badal is widely expected to reclaim the presidency as 567 delegates cast votes, despite allegations of transparency issues and factional discord.

The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) is conducting internal elections at the SGPC headquarters in Amritsar, with 567 delegates representing 117 constituencies participating.
Sukhbir Singh Badal is anticipated to be re-elected as party president, following his resignation after an Akal Takht directive for leadership reform in December 2024.
The election process has faced criticism from rebel factions and external voices, citing alleged transparency issues and violations of religious directives from the Akal Takht.
Congress MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa and several Sikh organizations have called for the Election Commission to halt the process, raising concerns over the use of religious premises for political activities.
SAD leaders frame the leadership contest as pivotal for the party’s revival and preparation for the 2027 state elections, emphasizing its 105-year legacy in Punjab’s political and religious landscape.