Akal Takht on Friday declared SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal “tankhaiya” (guilty of religious misconduct) for the “mistakes” committed by his party and the government run by it from 2007 to 2017.
At a meeting of the five high priests, convened by Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh at the Akal Takht secretariat today, it was unanimously decided to declare Sukhbir “tankhaiya” till he appears as a “nimana (humble)” Sikh and seeks atonement for “sins” before Akal Takht in the presence of Guru Granth Sahib and the five high priests. Sukhbir has appointed Balwinder Singh Bhunder as the working president of the SAD. On July 24, without specifically mentioning the “mistakes”, Sukhbir had owned up responsibility for these and sought unconditional forgiveness from Akal Takht in writing. Allegations were levelled against him by a group of dissident Akali leaders.