Sukhbir Singh Badal steps down as President of Shiromani Akali Dal

In a significant political development, Sukhbir Singh Badal, 62, has resigned as the president of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), clearing the path for the election of a new party leader. The announcement was made on Saturday by former Punjab Education Minister Daljit S Cheema via a tweet.

Badal’s decision to step down comes at a crucial time as the party is preparing for leadership elections. Cheema confirmed the resignation and added that it was done to facilitate the process of electing a new president. He also conveyed Badal’s gratitude to the party leaders and workers for their unwavering support during his tenure as president.

"The SAD President S Sukhbir Singh Badal submitted his resignation to the working Committee of the party today to pave the way for the election of new President," Cheema tweeted. "He thanked all the party leaders and workers for expressing confidence in his leadership and extending wholehearted support & cooperation throughout the tenure."

This move marks the end of an era for Badal, who has been a dominant figure in Punjab politics. His resignation is part of a broader reshuffling within the party as it prepares for a new phase of leadership.

Following the resignation, the Akali Dal’s Working Committee President, Balwinder Singh Bhundar, called for an emergency meeting to be held on Monday at the party headquarters in Chandigarh. The meeting will address the next steps and the election process for the new president.

It’s also noteworthy that the elections for the post of the president, office bearers, and working committee members of the Akali Dal are scheduled for December 14. This move to elect a new leader is expected to shape the future direction of the party.