Chandigarh:, March 9 -- The crisis in the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) further deepened on Saturday with senior party leader Bikram Singh Majithia and others openly opposing the unceremonious removal of Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC).

In a joint statement on Saturday, Majithia, who is the brother-in-law of Sukhbir Singh Badal, along with fellow leaders including Sharanjit Singh Dhillon and Lakhbir Singh Lodhinanagal, expressed their dissent regarding the SGPC's action.

"The recent decision of SGPC executive committee to remove Akal Takht jathedar has deeply hurt the sentiments of the Sikh community, We do not agree with this decision. It is the duty of all of us to restore the ...