In a pivotal party resolution issued on March 22, the Shiromani Akali Dal emphasized its longstanding demand for the release of Sikh prisoners, effectively signaling a cessation of any potential electoral negotiations with the BJP. This document marks a notable departure from its previous stance, particularly the moderate Punjabi agenda it embraced in 1996. The question now arises: will this strategic shift yield electoral advantages for the Akali Dal?
The historical context of the Akali Dal's principled stance during the Emergency imposed by Indira Gandhi in June 1975 is significant. Despite the Emergency being a broader national issue, the Akalis staunchly advocated for democratic values and Sikh rights, launching passive resistance campaigns that persisted until March 1977. These efforts, epitomized by the "Save Democracy Morchas" from the Akal Takht in Amritsar, led to approximately 40,000 arrests and significantly challenged the authority of the Gandhi regime.
The Akali Dal's commitment to democratic, civil, and human rights, particularly those of the Sikh minority, has deep historical roots. Founded in December 1920, the party has a legacy of organizing Morchas as part of its political and social initiatives. One pivotal moment occurred on January 19, 1922, when British authorities relinquished control of the treasury keys of Sri Darbar Sahib (the Golden Temple) to the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) following a peaceful Morcha led by the Akalis. This event, lauded by Mahatma Gandhi as a significant victory for India's freedom, underscored the Akali Dal's role in the struggle against colonial rule.
Throughout its history, the Shiromani Akali Dal, and its precursor, the SGPC, have spearheaded various agitations, navigating Sikhs through pivotal moments such as British colonial rule, the Partition of 1947, the movement for Punjab’s statehood post-independence, and the turbulence in Punjab during the 1980s and 1990s.
However, a transformative ideological shift occurred in 1996 at a landmark conference in Moga. The Akali Dal rebranded itself as a party representing all Punjabis, aligning with the BJP and extending party membership to non-Sikhs. This realignment led to a successful five-year tenure in Punjab, starting in 1997, in coalition with the BJP. Subsequently, the alliance was ousted from power in 2002 amidst allegations of corruption, leading to a tumultuous period for the Akali Dal.
The ensuing years witnessed a decline in the Akali Dal's political fortunes, marked by perceived shortcomings and controversies. Incidents such as the sacrilege of Sri Guru Granth Sahib in 2015 under the Akali-BJP rule exacerbated Sikh discontent, resulting in significant electoral losses and the ascendance of competitors like the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
The Akalis faced further challenges with the introduction of controversial farm laws in 2020 by the Modi government. The subsequent withdrawal of the Akalis from the NDA alliance did not yield significant political gains, with the AAP securing a resounding victory in the 2022 Assembly elections in Punjab.
In 2024, amidst renewed farmer protests at the Shambhu border, the Akali Dal reaffirmed its commitment to the cause of Sikh prisoners and agricultural workers in a party resolution on March 22. This move effectively terminated any electoral negotiations with the BJP, at least in the immediate future. The resolution also advocated for cross-border trade to stimulate Punjab’s economy.
For a party perceived to have strayed from its core principles since 1996, this return to its foundational doctrines represents a significant shift. However, the immediate political dividends of this reversal remain uncertain. The Akali Dal must demonstrate tangible action aligned with its renewed focus to regain the trust of its core constituents. Only then can it hope to embark on the road to political redemption.
