Has Bikram Majithia Rebelled? Statement Emerges After Giani Raghbir Singh’s Removal as Jathedar

Chandigarh, March 8, 2025 – A fresh crisis has hit the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) after senior leader Bikram Singh Majithia and other party veterans issued a strongly worded press note against a recent decision by the Akal Takht’s Interim Committee. The statement, seen as a direct challenge to the party’s current leadership, has sparked speculation about a possible internal rebellion.

The controversy erupted after the sudden removal of Giani Raghbir Singh as Jathedar of Akal Takht Sahib, a move that has left the Sikh community deeply divided. In the press note, Majithia and other senior Akali leaders expressed their discontent with the decision, stating that it had deeply hurt Sikh sentiments.

“The dignity of Akal Takht is beyond any individual, and respecting the Jathedars has always been our duty,” the statement read. However, the strong opposition to the committee’s decision has raised eyebrows, with many seeing it as an indirect challenge to the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and the SAD high command.

The press note did not stop at questioning the Jathedar’s removal. It also highlighted internal conflicts within SAD, admitting that the party’s leadership struggles have weakened its position. “For a long time, we ignored Panthic concerns, and today, we see the result,” the statement admitted.

This marks a rare moment of self-reflection within SAD, which has faced declining support in Punjab. Some political observers believe that Majithia’s open disagreement signals an internal revolt against the leadership of Sukhbir Singh Badal.

While the statement calls for unity and urges all factions to come together, it also subtly blames party leadership struggles for the growing crisis. The mention of “anti-Panthic forces” gaining strength hints at a larger political game, possibly aimed at securing support from SAD’s traditional voter base.

However, party insiders suggest that this might not just be a plea for unity but an early warning of a major political shift within SAD. With the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections on the horizon, any rebellion within the party could reshape Punjab’s political landscape.

As tensions rise, all eyes are on how Sukhbir Badal and the SAD leadership respond to this unexpected challenge. Will they address the concerns raised by Majithia and his supporters, or will this lead to further divisions in the party?

One thing is certain—the coming weeks will be crucial for SAD’s future and the larger Panthic politics in Punjab.