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Punjab: SAD calls anti-sacrilege law an attack on Sikh faith
The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) condemned the anti-sacrilege law as a direct attack on the Sikh faith and announced a campaign against the Act. The party also outlined its response after the Akal Takht Jathedar's verdict and disclosed plans for upcoming municipal elections.
Why It Matters
This reflects political party opposition to a recently enacted law affecting religious protections in Punjab, with implications for governance and upcoming civic polls.
Timeline
6 Events
Municipal elections scheduled; SAD to contest on party symbol
May 12, 2026
Elections for eight municipal corporations and 102 municipal councils are scheduled for May 26; the SAD intends to contest all wards on the party symbol.
SAD core committee meeting and decisions on campaign and civic polls
May 11, 2026
The SAD core committee, chaired by president Sukhbir Singh Badal, said the anti-sacrilege law is a direct attack on the Sikh faith and announced it would launch a campaign against the Act. It also stated that the next course of action would be announced after the Akal Takht Jathedar issues its verdict on the Act. The committee further decided that halqa incharges would finalize candidates for eight municipal corporations and 102 municipal councils scheduled for May 26, and that the party would contest all wards under the party symbol.
Akal Takht Jathedar ultimatum to remove objectionable clauses
May 8, 2026
On May 8, the Takht Jathedar gave a 15-day ultimatum to the Aam Aadmi Party government to remove objectionable clauses which hurt Sikh sentiments and interfere in Panthic affairs.
Bill notified by Punjab government
April 20, 2026
The anti-sacrilege bill was notified by the Punjab government on April 20.
Punjab governor grants assent to anti-sacrilege bill
April 17, 2026
Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria accorded assent to the bill on April 17.
Punjab Vidhan Sabha passes anti-sacrilege bill unanimously in special session
April 13, 2026
The anti-sacrilege bill, which proposed amendments to the original 2008 Act, was passed unanimously by the Punjab Vidhan Sabha during a special session on April 13.