Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sukhbir Singh Badal on Thursday appealed to all old Akali leaders and workers to return to the party. He said that after the call of Akal Takht Sahib’s unity, now the time has come to forget all the differences and work together in the interest of the creed and Punjab.

Sukhbir Badal clearly said, “I bow my head in front of the throne. It is the duty of every Sikh to follow the instructions of Singh Sahiban. Whoever the companions have gone angry or made a separate faction, I begs him with folded hands that they should return to their roots. If I have ever hurt someone’s feelings, then forgive me in this difficult time.”

‘Time to unite by forgetting differences’

This appeal of the SAD chief came a day after the 5 Sikh high priests (Singh Sahiban) instructions, in which all Panthi and Akali groups were united and asked to come together to protect Punjab’s land, resources, Sikh identity and religious symbols.

It was clearly stated in these instructions that every group should come together for the big interest of Khalsa Panth. The proposal issued on December 2, 2024 also warned that the groups that would not follow these instructions are free to choose their political path, but do not mislead the Sikh Sangat and do not make false claims of conservation of the famine.

Badal said that the Akal Takht belongs to Sikhs not only of Punjab or any one group, but of the Sikhs from all over the world. He said, “It stands for the rights and respect of every Sikh. It is the duty of every Sikh to accept the message of Akal Takht.”

SAD weakened by split in party

In the last few years, many senior leaders and old companions of SAD got separated or made small groups. Due to this, the party’s base weakened and faced many election challenges.

Sukhbir Badal believes that if all the old companions return, then the party can play a strong role in Punjab politics again.

Now is the time to stand together- cloud

Badal said, “This is the time to work unitedly not of personal resentment, but for the good of the creed and Punjab. If we all walk together, we can face any challenge.”