Sukhbir Singh Badal, former Chief Minister of Punjab, is serving a religious punishment at the Golden Temple in Amritsar for alleged mistakes made during his party’s tenure. The punishment, handed down by the Akal Takht, involves performing ‘sewadar’ duties and includes an admission of guilt regarding a controversial pardon granted in 2007.
The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) is facing a leadership crisis following a revolt by senior leaders against party chief Sukhbir Singh Badal. The rebellion, triggered by the party’s poor performance in the recent Lok Sabha elections, has divided the party into two camps – those demanding Badal’s resignation and those supporting him.
BJP leader Vijay Sampla has dismissed speculations of joining another political party, reaffirming his loyalty to the BJP despite expressing disappointment over being denied a Lok Sabha ticket. During a meeting with Punjab BJP affairs in-charge Vijay Rupani and state president Sunil Jakhar, Sampla conveyed his concerns regarding his treatment within the party. While remaining committed to the BJP, Sampla has sought clarification from the leadership regarding his perceived sidelining.
