PC: dnaindia

Former Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal reached the Golden Temple in Amritsar on Tuesday morning, the first day of his penance. Due to a fracture in his leg, he was seen wearing a plaque around his neck while sitting on a wheelchair.

The move comes after the Akal Takht declared him 'Tankhaiyya' (guilty of religious misconduct) in August, announcing religious punishment for him. Badal, who was the Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab from 2007 to 2017, will now work as a 'sevadaar' at the Golden Temple – these tasks include washing utensils, cleaning shoes and bathrooms.

The Akal Takht sentenced him citing “mistakes” and “certain decisions” made by the Akali Dal and its government in Punjab from 2007 to 2017. Five high priests, headed by Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh, asked the working committee of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) to accept the resignation of Sukhbir Badal as party chief and said that the “pride given to former Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal The title of “-e-Qaum” is “withdrawn”.

While reciting 'Tankah' (religious punishment) at Akal Takht, Sikh religious leaders said that Sukhbir Singh Badal will clean the bathrooms from 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm on December 3. He was asked to wear a plaque around his neck. While reading the order, Giani Raghbir Singh had said that Sukhbir Badal and the cabinet ministers will have to submit their written explanation within 15 days.

He said that a meeting of Panj Singh Sahibs (five high priests of Shri Akal Takht) was held at Shri Akal Takht Sahibji, in which it was unanimously decided that Sukhbir Singh Badal, as Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab Government and President of Shiromani Akali Dal, should take such decisions. Due to which the image of Panthak Swarup has been hurt.

The situation of Shiromani Akali Dal has deteriorated and Sikh interests have suffered a lot. Therefore his fellow Sikh cabinet ministers, who were present in the government from 2007 to 2017, should submit their written explanation in this regard before Shri Akal Takht within 15 days.

Former MP Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa said that the order of service is an order for me. This is the order of the Almighty which Akal Takht has pronounced for me… I will sit at the gate, I will also serve in the langar…”

Sukhbir Badal has accepted the allegations against him. Sikh religious leaders also announced religious punishment for some others who are or were associated with SAD. These include Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, Sucha Singh Langah, Heera Singh Gabaria and Balwinder Singh Bhunder.