SAD President Sukhbir Badal Slams Punjab Government Over Security Withdrawal
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal has made serious allegations against the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led government in Punjab, claiming it withdrew security from a prominent religious leader immediately after his political visit. The controversy centers on Sant Baba Ghala Singh, the chief of the Jagraon-based Nanaksar sect, whose security detail was reportedly removed following Badal's meeting with him.
Political Support Declaration Sparks Immediate Government Action
According to Sukhbir Badal, the sect leader had "extended support" to the Shiromani Akali Dal during their meeting. In a social media post on X late Sunday evening, the Akali Dal chief expressed his shock at the timing of the security withdrawal, directly linking it to the political endorsement he received.
"It is really shocking that immediately after my visit to Nanaksar and the support extended to the Shiromani Akali Dal by Sant Baba Ghala Singh Ji, his security was withdrawn by the AAP government," Badal wrote in his post. "I strongly condemn this action."
Drawing Parallels with Previous Security Controversies
The SAD president drew a concerning comparison to another high-profile security withdrawal that ended in tragedy. "This move is akin to the security withdrawal from Sidhu Moose Wala, which had tragic consequences," Badal stated, referencing the Punjabi singer who was murdered in 2022 after his security was reduced.
Badal issued a stern warning to Punjab authorities, holding them directly accountable for any potential harm to the religious leader. "I want to make it clear, if any untoward incident occurs at Nanaksar or affects the life and security of Sant Baba Ghala Singh Ji, chief minister Bhagwant Mann and the Director General of Punjab Police will be directly responsible," he declared.
Video Evidence of Political Endorsement
Along with his social media post, Sukhbir Badal shared a 50-second video clip that appears to document the political support declaration. In the video, Sant Baba Ghala Singh is seen and heard making an announcement to extend support to the Shiromani Akali Dal specifically for the 2027 Punjab elections, with Sukhbir Badal present during the declaration.
The timing of events suggests a rapid government response to what appears to be a political alignment between the religious leader and the opposition party. The security withdrawal occurred shortly after Badal's visit to the Nanaksar sect headquarters, creating what the SAD president characterizes as retaliatory action by the ruling government.
This incident raises significant questions about:
- The criteria for security provision to religious figures in Punjab
- Potential political motivations behind security decisions
- The relationship between the state government and religious institutions
- Security protocols for public figures who express political opinions
The controversy emerges amid ongoing political tensions in Punjab, with the Shiromani Akali Dal positioning itself against the AAP government on multiple fronts. The security withdrawal from Sant Baba Ghala Singh has now become the latest flashpoint in this political rivalry, with implications for both religious freedom and political expression in the state.
