Amritsar (Gurpreet Singh): Former Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Giani Harpreet Singh, has respectfully declined to be considered for the post of Shiromani Akali Dal president, ahead of the party’s internal election scheduled for August 11. In a public appeal, he requested that his name be withdrawn from the list of candidates, emphasizing his respect for fellow nominee Bibi Satwant Kaur.
In his statement, Giani Harpreet Singh said he had learned that both his name and that of Bibi Satwant Kaur — daughter of the late Shaheed Bhai Amrik Singh Ji — were being discussed for the leadership role. However, he clarified that he does not wish to be involved in a contest for the party’s top position.
“There are voices in support of both Bibi Satwant Kaur Ji and me. I have deep respect for her and her family’s legacy,” he said. “For that reason, I humbly urge the five-member committee to refrain from considering my name. I am not a contender in this election.”
The Shiromani Akali Dal has tasked a five-member panel with overseeing the upcoming leadership vote. The move to include both names had sparked discussions within party circles, with support emerging for each candidate. Giani Harpreet Singh’s decision to step aside is being seen as an act of humility and a call for unity within the party at a crucial time.
The leadership election is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the party’s internal framework and renew its public engagement. The final decision is expected to be announced following the committee’s deliberations on August 11.
