In the wake of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) securing a third-place finish in the recent rural body elections in Punjab, a significant call for unity has emerged from within the party's ranks. Dakha MLA Manpreet Singh Ayali has publicly urged SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal to set aside personal differences and work towards consolidating all Panthic factions, including the Amritpal Singh-led SAD (Waris Punjab De).
A Direct Appeal for Consolidation
Speaking to the media on Thursday after the election results were declared, Ayali issued a clear message. He stated that Sukhbir Singh Badal should be given a month, or even more, to relinquish his ego and selfishness in the larger interest of the Akali Dal. Ayali emphasized that his motive was not personal gain but the revival of the party's strength through unity. He argued that the election results demonstrated SAD's potential for a comeback, but only if all its splinter groups come together. "If all Akali factions unite, the Akali Dal can get a sweeping victory," Ayali told The Times of India.
Clarifying His Stance on SAD (Revived)
Ayali's comments came with crucial clarifications regarding his own position within the newer SAD (Revived) faction. He claimed that despite being appointed its senior vice-president, he never attended any of its meetings and did not consider himself part of it, though he had not publicly contradicted the appointment earlier. He justified this by saying other members of a key five-member committee advised him against it to protect the new party.
He also defended his campaign strategy during the rural polls. Ayali said he used pictures of Amritpal Singh and SAD (Revived) Panthic Council chairperson Satwant Kaur because they were acceptable to the people. However, he deliberately omitted the picture of SAD (Revived) president Giani Harpreet Singh, stating he was not acceptable. Ayali referred to Satwant Kaur as the "supreme leader" of that faction due to her position heading the Panthic Council.
Leadership and the Mandate of Akal Takht
When questioned about whether Sukhbir Badal would remain president in a united entity, Ayali was unequivocal. "No," he quipped, pointing out that the party continued to decline under his leadership even when all were together. He stressed the need to respect Panthic sentiment and the mandate of the Akal Takht, the supreme temporal seat of Sikhs.
Ayali recalled that when the Akal Takht formed a five-member committee for membership enrolment, its core mandate was unity. He accused Sukhbir Badal of refusing to abide by that edict and instead targeting the committee members. "The goal of unity remained unfulfilled and I still want to strive for it," Ayali asserted. He added that his constituents had given him a mandate to work for Panthic unity and follow the Akal Takht's directives.
Ayali concluded by stating his intent to work towards bringing together the Sukhbir-led SAD, SAD (Revived), and SAD (Waris Punjab De). He firmly believes that only a complete Panthic unity can pave the way for a successful campaign in the crucial 2027 Punjab Legislative Assembly election.
