Parkash Singh Badal: The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) is one of India’s oldest political parties, with roots extending back to the pre-independence era. In fact, it is India’s second-oldest political party. Parkash Singh Badal, the party’s patriarch, has played a crucial role in creating the party and its values over the years. However, with Badal’s death, there is uncertainty over SAD’s future. Parkash Singh Badal had been associated with the SAD for several decades, and his vision and leadership had helped the party endure. He has led the party through some of India’s most volatile moments, and his impact has been felt not only in his home state of Punjab, but also on a national scale.
Party may lose focus in absence of leadership
There is no doubt that his absence will leave a big gap inside the party, and there are concerns that the party may lose focus or direction in the absence of his leadership. With less than a month until the Jalandhar Lok Sabha bypoll, erstwhile SAD leader Inder Iqbal Singh ‘Rinku’ defected to the BJP earlier this month. Previously, Amarpal Singh Bony, a two-time former MLA from Ajnala and the son of renowned Akali politician Rattan Singh Ajnala, resigned from the party, citing bad leadership.
The party has a pool of senior officials who have been trained by Badal over the years
Infighting within the party for leadership posts is one of the anticipated repercussions of Badal’s death. There may be differences of opinion on the party’s direction, which could lead to a breakdown in unity within SAD. This could pave the path for new regional parties to emerge or have an impact on the party’s electoral performance. The SAD was already embroiled in factional strife, with Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa and Ranjit Singh Brahmpura splitting and then merging to form the SAD (Sanyukt) last year. Meanwhile, some political commentators feel that in the aftermath of Badal’s death, SAD will emerge stronger. The party has a pool of senior officials who have been trained by Badal over the years, and they may be able to continue the party’s ethos and direction set by Badal. Leaders such as Charanjit Singh Atwal, Bibi Upinderjit Kaur, and Kirpal Singh Badungar, who are already in key positions in the party, will have to step up.
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Badal wrote an open letter condemning the Aam Aadmi Party in his final days
Senior vice-presidents such as Mantar Singh Brar, Jagbir Singh Brar, Harmeet Singh Sandhu, and others will play critical roles following Parkash Singh Badal’s death as his son Sukhbir Singh Badal attempts to head the party. In his final days, Badal wrote an open letter condemning the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) administration for charging him with murder conspiracy. Even at the age of 95, he swore to battle against the “tyranny of the government.” Badal had spent the majority of his time at his farm.
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