Akal Takht begins Shiromani Akali Dal enrolment drive

A five-member committee formed by Akal Takht has started enrolling new members for the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD). This effort began on Tuesday at Maharaja Ranjit Singh Chowk in Amritsar. The committee includes members Iqbal Singh Jhunda, Gurpartap Singh Wadala, Manpreet Singh Ayali, Santa Singh Umaidpuri, and Bibi Satwant Kaur. The Akal Takht had set up the committee to oversee the enrolment process. Originally, a seven-member group was appointed, but two members resigned. Giani Harpreet Singh, who was recently dismissed, was the first to sign up. Ayali mentioned that the committee is working under directives from the Akal Takht and challenged claims made by the Sukhbir Badal-led SAD about having enrolled over 30 lakh members. Bibi Jagir Kaur, a former SGPC president, expressed doubt about the accuracy of the Badal faction's membership claims. She stressed that those committed to Akal Takht are the true Akalis. She also denied any ties to the BJP amidst criticism and affirmed her loyalty to the Akali party. In a related statement, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, the acting jathedar of Akal Takht, called for unity among Sikh factions. He invited the committee for discussions to resolve ongoing disputes related to the membership drive. Giani Gargaj highlighted the importance of working together to strengthen Sikh institutions and promote peace within the community.