Amid a virtual revolt by a section of Taksali Akalis, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal on Sunday said that he was ready to step down from the president’s post if the party wants it.
“I’m leading the party on its direction. I am duty bound to do whatever the party asks me to do. If it demands my resignation, I am ready for it,” Sukhbir said.
Talking to the media in Amritsar on Sunday, Sukhbir said: “We are a family. Party has given me the responsibility as president. If the party asks, I will resign from the president’s post. The party is supreme for me and no individual is bigger than the party. I have said it at every stage that the party is not the personal property of anyone. I have performed my duty with complete dedication.”
Badal, in a bid to pacify the rebels, said that all veteran Akali leaders were his elders and he respects them.
“Showing respect to senior party leaders Rattan Singh Ajnala, Ranjit Singh Brahmpura and Sewa Singh Sekhwan, who have raised a banner of virtual revolt,” Badal said he respects them and knows that they have immensely contributed to the party.
Reacting on the statement of Sukhbir, rebel Majha leader Ranjit Singh Brahmpura expressed doubt.
Brahmpura said, “if Sukhbir did not resign after shameful debacle of SAD in Punjab Vidhan Sabha polls in 2017, how can one believe that he would resign now.”
He disclosed that Sukhbir remained on the position even after some of the senior members asked him to quit in the core committee meeting held immediately after the results of State election.
