Unable to bear the strain anymore of the Akali Dal having gone astray from its mandated path of upholding the Akali spirit of truthfulness and respect the ideals of the party, Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, veteran Akali parliamentarian, secretary-general of the party, sitting Rajya Sabha member, a former Union Minister, conscience-keeper, hung up his boots by resigning from all party posts of the Parkash Singh Badal and Sukhbir Singh Badal-led Shiromani Akali Dal.

In his resignation letter to party president Sukhbir Singh Badal, Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa has said that, “I have served the party to the best of my ability and I am grateful to the party for the honour bestowed on me.” He added that, “It is time in my life to take stock of the situation.” He acknowledged the leadership of Sant Harchand Singh Longowal and Parkash Singh Badal.

Without alleging anything against anyone, he has cited health reasons to become inactive and resign from all posts including that of the Secretary General of the party and the highest decision-making core committee of the Badal Dal.

Not willing to make a complete breakthrough, he has chosen to remain a primary member of the party.

He was one of the pillars of whatever little democratic functioning was left in the feudal Akali Dal. Known to stand up for what is right within the party, he went along the party but made himself heard from time to time. Yet, the party overshadowed him and he toed the line. However his silence used to say it all.

Reacting to the Ludhiana MLA Simarajit Singh Bains of the Lok Insaaf Party has welcomed the resignation and has appealed to other members of the party to follow suit and save their conscience from pricking them. Speaking to WSN, he added that, “Akali Dal is not the fiefdom of the Badals. It is a party of martyrs and Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa has taken the right step.”

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Dal Khalsa Spokesperson Kanwarpal Singh said, “More than his physical health, it is the political heath of the party which is the prime reason for resignation of Sardar Dhindsa from party posts. It is an indication of the times to come as the present dismal state of the party spells doom for the party.” “Obviously, all is not well.” he added.

Chandigarh, 29 September 2018, WSN Newsdesk