AMRITSAR SAHIB, Punjab—In a significant development, Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Avtar Makkar has been excluded from political affairs committee (PAC) of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD). Makkar has remained as a general party member.
In the PAC members list released by Party President Sukhbir Badal earlier today, former president Kirpal Singh Badungar and general secretary Sukhdev Singh Bhaur have been included. Former SGPC leaders including Bibi Jagir Kaur, Jathedar Jagdev Singh Talwandi and Jathedar Gurcharan Singh Tohra remained as part of the Akali Dal PAC during their reigns.
Releasing the list, Sukhbir has claimed that this time party workers at all levels had been placed well in the party. Makkar’s exclusion has indicated that Badals are not happy over his performance.
Some experts say that Badungar and Bhaur have been included keeping in view their seniority and their grip on Panthik issues and politics. Besides, both the leaders have good impression in Panthik circles. As SAD is going back to Panthik agenda, the old leaders of SAD have been given importance. Furthermore, their inclusion suggests that Akali Dal is looking to retain senior leaders and keep them from join the BJP.
