Amritsar – On August 11, 2025, a five-member committee appointed by the Akal Takht unanimously elected former acting Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh as the president of a newly formed Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) faction during a delegate session held at Gurdwara Burj Akali Phoola Singh.
In a strategic move, Satwant Kaur was named chairperson of the Panthic Council, an advisory body structured to guide the new political group.
As per the committee’s vision, this faction aims to revive the original Akali Dal ethos of the 1920s. Notably, Giani Harpreet Singh will not contest in ele.ctions, signaling his commitment to a guiding leadership role.
The leadership claims to uphold the authentic legacy of the Akali Dal and intends to seek the Election Commission of India’s recognition.
Previously dismissed from his position as Jathedar of Takht Sri Damdama Sahib by the SGPC in February due to allegations of moral misconduct, Giani Harpreet Singh was one of the Sikh clergy responsible for pronouncing ‘tankhaiya’ (guilty of religious misconduct) on Sukhbir Singh Badal and other Akali leaders on December 2, 2024.
Breaking new ground, Giani Harpreet Singh is also recognized as the first head of any Akali Dal faction from the Scheduled Caste community, marking a historic milestone.
His election was endorsed by prominent figures including former SGPC presidents Bibi Jagir Kaur and Gobind Singh Longowal, as well as veteran leader Prem Singh Chandumajra, reinforcing the legitimacy of the new faction.