Senior leader of the reorganised Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), Bibi Jagir Kaur, has firmly rejected narratives of an internal crisis or dramatic resignations rocking the party. She characterised recent discussions as collective brainstorming aimed at strengthening the organisation and its future programmes.
Internal Discussions, Not Discord
Jagir Kaur stated that every word spoken within the party was being blown out of proportion. She described the atmosphere in recent meetings as relaxed, where members freely shared their opinions on the party's future direction and policy framework. She emphasised there was no dramatic moment or crisis, only constructive dialogue.
Clarifying the President's Appointment
Addressing the appointment of Giani Harpreet Singh as president of the reorganised SAD, Jagir Kaur provided a detailed account. She revealed she met him twice in Chandigarh to ask if he was willing to take up the responsibility.
Initially, Singh declined, viewing himself more as a religious figure than a political one. However, he later remarked that if the Panth called upon him to serve, he would not refuse. Jagir Kaur clarified that the party welcomed his panthic outlook, but a casual remark about sacrificing any position for the panthic cause was wrongly interpreted as an offer to resign. "No one asked for his resignation, nor did he formally offer it," she asserted.
Ruling Out Reconciliation with Sukhbir Badal
When questioned about SAD president Sukhbir Badal, Jagir Kaur was unequivocal. She dismissed claims of unity as misleading and questioned why reconciliation should be pursued with someone she believes failed to follow the directives of the Akal Takht.
She reiterated that her faction complied fully with the Akal Takht directives to recruit members, appoint delegates, and select a president, while the other side did not. She ruled out any backchannel talks or peace feelers, alleging that Sukhbir Badal lacks the moral authority to lead the party.
Jagir Kaur concluded by stating that the reorganised SAD will continue strictly in accordance with the Akal Takht's guidance. She also advised senior party leaders to be careful in giving public statements to avoid misinterpretations.
