Shiromani Akali Dal and Breakaway Faction Face Off in Power Show

Rapid Summary

• The Shiromani Akali dal (SAD) and its breakaway faction held parallel events in Punjab’s Sangrur district to commemorate the 40th death anniversary of Harchand Singh Longowal on August 20, 2025.
• Longowal, former SAD president, led the ‘Dharam Yudh Morcha’ from 1982 to 1984 and was assassinated in Sangrur’s Sherpur village in 1985. His commemoration events are organized annually.
• Rival factions competed for public support during speeches at separate rallies, emphasizing Sikh political issues (‘Panthic’ agenda) amid growing tensions.
• SAD President Sukhbir Singh Badal promised to address pending Sikh community concerns and called for unity under his leadership while criticizing breakaway leaders as harmful for Punjab’s interests.
• breakaway faction leader Giani Harpreet Singh accused mr. Badal’s SAD of ignoring orders from Akal Takht, claiming the people have rejected the party led by the Badal family.
• Giani Harpreet also highlighted unresolved demands like Punjabi-speaking areas, Chandigarh’s status as capital, and delayed release of Sikh prisoners under successive central governments.

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