Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains has publicly criticized Sukhbir Singh Badal, president of the Shiromani Akali Dal, for his recent comments that questioned the authority of the Akal Takht, the highest temporal seat of the Sikh community. Bains asserted that such statements undermine the sanctity of the Takht and are a direct attack on the collective sentiments of Sikhs. Badal had previously claimed that central agencies conspired against him to remove him from politics, following a religious punishment issued by the Akal Takht for mistakes made during his party's governance from 2007 to 2017. Bains called for action against Badal, stating that any Sikh who challenges the Takht's authority forfeits their right to identify as a Sikh. Additionally, Bains expressed concerns regarding the stalled Heritage Street project in Sri Anandpur Sahib, alleging that political motivations led to significant alterations in the project design by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC). He emphasized the need for improved access to the Takht, highlighting the steep incline that makes it difficult for the elderly to visit.