Shiromani Akali Dal new president election live: Sukhbir Singh Badal re-elected as SAD president for fourth term
Sukhbir Singh Badal has been elected as the president of Shiromani Akali Dal for the fourth time. Amid loud chants and cheers, all delegates unanimously approved his name. Chief election officer Gulzar Singh Ranike officially declared Sukhbir Singh Badal as the party president after taking the opinion of the entire House.
Sukhbir Singh Badal is new SAD president
As per sources, the return of former president Sukhbir Singh Badal to the position of party chief is almost certain. Unless Sukhbir decides to step aside, he is expected to be re-elected as president once again.
According to party sources, Sukhbir Singh Badal is not only the "favourite" but also the "sole candidate" for the position. This election follows a three-month membership drive. Additionally, there is speculation that senior leader Balwinder Singh Bhunder may be appointed as the party's patron.
However, the situation regarding the position of general secretary remains unclear. Daljit Singh Cheema and Mahesh Inder Singh Grewal are being considered as the main contenders for the role. Meanwhile, the current acting president, Balwinder Singh Bhunder, may be assigned the responsibility of overseeing the party as its patron.
Meeting underway, Sukhbir Singh Badal's return almost certain; decision in Amritsar likely to be unanimous
The Shiromani Akali Dal carries within itself a legacy of 105 years. It was established on December 14, 1920, with the support of the Gurdwara Management Committee, with the aim of becoming the religious, social, and political voice of the Sikh community.
After the implementation of the Gurdwara Act in 1925, the Akali Dal actively participated in the freedom struggle. Inspired by the ideology of "Main Maran Te Panth Jive" (Let me die, but let the Panth live), the party initially kept a distance from politics. In the 1937 Provincial Elections, the party entered the political arena by winning 10 seats.
During the time of India’s Partition, the Akali Dal strongly opposed the division. When news came that Ferozpur and Zira would be included in Pakistan, Master Tara Singh rushed to Delhi and successfully persuaded the Viceroy to reverse the decision. Despite his life of struggle, Master Tara Singh was left with only Rs 36 at the end.
1973: Anandpur Sahib Resolution was released
1975: During the Emergency, Akali leaders led the longest protest
Seven Chief Ministers were given to Punjab by the party, including Parkash Singh Badal, who became CM five times
1997: First alliance formed with the BJP
2008: Sukhbir Badal became the party president
Sarmukh Singh Jhabal
Baba Kharak Singh
Master Tara Singh
Gopal Singh Qaumi
Tara Singh Thekedar
Teja Singh Akarpuri
Babu Labh Singh
Jathedar Udham Singh Nagoke
Giani Kartar Singh
Jathedar Pritam Singh Gojran
Hukum Singh
Sant Fateh Singh
Jathedar Achhar Singh
Giani Bhupinder Singh
Jathedar Mohan Singh Tur
Sant Harchand Singh Longowal
Surjit Singh Barnala
Jathedar Jagdev Singh Talwandi
Parkash Singh Badal
Sukhbir Singh Badal
December 2008: Sukhbir Singh Badal became SAD president
November 16, 2024: Sukhbir Singh Badal resigned
January 10, 2025: Resignation accepted
After 'ardas', Shiromani Akali Dal's session begins
Leaders of the Shiromani Akali Dal have started arriving at Teja Singh Samundri Hall in Amritsar ahead of the General House meeting. Senior leader and MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal has also reached the venue. The formal proceedings of the General House are expected to commence shortly, during which the party will elect its new president.
Senior SAD leader Dr Daljit Singh Cheema visited the venue and reviewed the preparations. Expressing concern, he said, “It is truly unfortunate that the rebel faction, in an attempt to weaken the Shiromani Akali Dal, has aligned itself with the Congress party—historically the biggest adversary of the Sikh community.”
He also shared a letter by Congress leader Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa to highlight the development.
Dr Cheema emphasized that the Shiromani Akali Dal was born at Sri Akal Takht Sahib and holds a deep emotional and historical connection with Teja Singh Samundri Hall. “It’s from this very hall that the party’s legacy has been shaped since ancient times,” he said.
Around 500 delegates will elect the new president of Shiromani Akali Dal
Sukhbir Singh Badal had resigned from the post of party president on November 16 last year
He first became the president of Shiromani Akali Dal in 2008
The primary membership drive of the Shiromani Akali Dal is conducted every three years
PTC Web Desk: The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) is all set to elect its new president today during a crucial general delegates' session at the historic Teja Singh Samundri Hall, located within Sri Darbar Sahib complex in Amritsar. The session, scheduled to begin at 11 am, marks a significant moment in the party's political journey as it prepares to usher in a new leadership era.
The decision to hold the presidential election was finalised during a recent meeting of the SAD Working Committee, chaired by acting party president Balwinder Singh Bhunder. Along with the announcement of the new president, the party is also expected to unveil a revamped working committee.
As part of its renewed political strategy, the party has also announced a major political conference to be held on April 13 at Talwandi Sabo on the occasion of Vaisakhi.
Stay tuned to this live blog for real-time updates, key announcements, and reactions as the SAD undergoes a pivotal leadership transition.
- PTC NEWS
