On December 2, 2024, the five Sikh high priests, led by Akal Takht jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh, had revoked the title on Badal senior, 13 years after it was bestowed on him in the Golden Temple complex in recognition of his services during his long political career.
A resolution was passed to this effect at the traditional convention of the Shiromani Akali Dal during the annual Maghi Mela in Muktsar; Sukhbir says those who speak against Badal Senior are ‘qaum de gaddar’.
Rising Khalistan sentiment is rooted in a failure of the state’s political class in maintaining the balance between politics, religion and national integrity
Manpreet in his address said that the people of Gidderbaha have always supported Parkash Singh Badal and Manpreet, indirectly linking himself to the late Shriromani Akali Dal patriarch Parkash Singh Badal.