In a significant and highly symbolic development, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president and former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal has been declared a ‘tankhaiya’ — a religious transgressor — by the Takht Sri Patna Sahib, one of the five paramount seats of Sikh authority. The decision, taken on July 4, 2025, has sparked a fierce political and religious debate in Punjab, with implications that stretch well beyond spiritual reproach.
The term ‘tankhaiya’ in Sikh tradition refers to someone who has committed a religious violation and must undergo public repentance to seek atonement. The decision was reportedly taken by the Takht Jathedar and other clergy after reviewing allegations that Sukhbir Singh Badal had interfered with Sikh maryada (religious code of conduct) during his political interventions in religious institutions, including perceived meddling in gurdwara affairs.
Though detailed reasoning from Takht Sri Patna Sahib has not been made public, sources within the SGPC (Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee) and Panthic circles suggest that the judgment relates to alleged misuse of political influence in religious appointments and the handling of past controversies involving Sikh sentiments. The decision comes amid renewed scrutiny of the SAD’s legacy and its perceived dilution of Panthic values during its decades-long dominance in Punjab politics.
Reacting to the declaration, Sukhbir Singh Badal expressed shock and disappointment, calling the decision politically motivated. “I have always lived my life in accordance with Sikh tenets. This move is clearly orchestrated by political rivals who wish to defame the Akali Dal. I will humbly appear before the Takht and present my position with full respect for our religious traditions,” he said in a brief media interaction in Chandigarh.
The SAD leadership, however, sees a larger conspiracy. Senior leaders close to Badal claim that rival factions, particularly those aligned with the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), are attempting to weaken the Akali Dal’s religious authority ahead of the 2026 assembly elections. “This is not about maryada. It is about using religion as a political weapon. The sangat must see through this,” said Daljit Singh Cheema, SAD’s spokesperson.
Meanwhile, the decision has triggered a divide within the Sikh community. Some view it as a rightful spiritual correction long overdue for a leader whose political actions have often overlapped with gurdwara management, particularly during the controversial period of sacrilege cases and police firing incidents under the previous SAD-BJP government. Others, however, see it as selective targeting, questioning why only Sukhbir Badal has been singled out when multiple politicians have historically influenced religious matters.
Takht Patna Sahib’s edict also poses a dilemma for other Sikh institutions, including the Akal Takht in Amritsar. Will they endorse the declaration or seek a joint review? The SGPC, considered the mini-parliament of Sikh religious affairs and closely linked with the SAD, has maintained a cautious silence, possibly fearing backlash from both its traditional base and religious hardliners.
The unfolding episode has national significance. The Akali Dal, once a key ally of the BJP in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), has struggled to regain relevance after severing ties with the Centre in the wake of the farmers’ protest. Sukhbir Badal’s status as a devout Sikh leader is central to his identity and appeal among rural Sikh voters. The ‘tankhaiya’ tag, if unaddressed, could weaken his moral authority and diminish his influence in both religious and electoral domains.
Political observers suggest that how Sukhbir chooses to respond—whether through submission, resistance, or legal recourse—will shape the future trajectory of SAD’s leadership and its ability to reclaim its legacy as the principal Panthic party.
As of now, Takht Patna Sahib has not issued conditions for atonement, but history suggests that such declarations typically require the individual to appear before the Takht, admit wrongdoing, and perform a symbolic seva (community service) as repentance. Whether Sukhbir Singh Badal will follow this path or challenge the decree remains to be seen.
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