Sukhbir Badal Rejects Punjab Government’s Sacrilege Law, Flags “Serious Loopholes”

Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal on Thursday reiterated that the Akali Dal does not accept the sacrilege law introduced by the Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab. He said legal experts have pointed out several shortcomings in the newly framed law. Addressing a gathering during the fourth death anniversary event of late Akali leader Jathedar Tota Singh at Gurdwara Sri Hazoor Sahib in Dharamkot, Sukhbir Badal alleged that including village gurdwara management committees and granthis under the ambit of the law could pave the way for its misuse. He stated that the Shiromani Akali Dal supports strict laws against incidents of sacrilege, but maintained that such legislation should not be linked to the “personal interests” of governments. He further said the Punjab government should have sought approval from Sri Akal Takht Sahib and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee before framing the law. Paying tribute to Jathedar Tota Singh, Sukhbir Badal said the late Akali leader had made a major contribution to the Shiromani Akali Dal. He said Tota Singh worked alongside former Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal for the growth and strengthening of the party till his last days. Sukhbir Badal also shared that his own political journey began in Moga under the guidance of Jathedar Tota Singh. He added that Tota Singh’s son, Makhan Brar, is continuing his father’s political legacy and working tirelessly for the party. The Akali Dal chief claimed that the party would return to power in the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections. During the event, Makhan Brar thanked all leaders and party workers for attending the memorial gathering. Several Akali leaders and workers were present on the occasion, including district president Nihal Singh Talwandi Bhangherian, senior Akali leader Rajinder Singh Dalla, Shahkot MLA Ladi Sherowalia, former Congress MLA Pragat Singh, Gurmel Singh Sidhu, Baljit Singh Kang, former chairman Joginder Singh Sandhu and Joginder Singh Pappu.