A growing schism has emerged within the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), splitting loyalties between the established faction under Sukhbir Singh Badal and a newer group rallying behind Giani Harpreet Singh. While both camps cautiously consider whether to join forces with the BJP, grassroots Sikh disillusionment casts a long shadow, intensifying the chasm.
Badal’s team has openly accused central agencies—and by extension, the BJP—of meddling in internal party affairs to stoke dissent, aiming to manipulate Sikh sensibilities. Yet, among many Sikh voters, deep-seated suspicion toward the saffron camp prevails, reinforced by recent electoral tilt toward Congress in 2024.
This mistrust has only deepened since the general elections, fueling the party’s bifurcation. On one side stands the established SAD hierarchy, wary yet open to strategic alignments; on the other, the insurgent group, whose identity is rooted in Panthic authenticity and a desire for ideological purity.
These undercurrents are especially potent among Sikh cultivators, whose grievances against BJP policies are palpable. Their unrest further complicates any attempt at political rapprochement.
At its core, the unfolding drama in Akali politics reveals a pivotal divide: the leadership’s pragmatism versus the electorate’s aversion. While top brass may weigh alliance options, the Sikh body politic remains skeptical, making any rapprochement a fraught proposition.