Chandigarh: In a significant political development, rebel Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) MLA from Dakha, Manpreet Singh Ayali, resigned from the breakaway Shiromani Akali Dal (Punar Surjit) on Wednesday. This move has further deepened the crisis within the faction that was formed last year. Ayali also stepped down as the head of the Panthic unity coordination committee, a body established to explore a potential alliance between SAD (Punar Surjit) and the jailed MP Amritpal Singh-led SAD (Waris Punjab De). The alliance talks had collapsed earlier this month.
Reasons for Resignation
Announcing his resignation, Ayali stated that leaders who, according to the Akal Takht hukamnama, had lost the moral right to lead the Panth had become part of SAD (Punar Surjit). This, he argued, had hurt the party's credibility among the masses. Without naming specific individuals, he emphasized that such leaders should have stayed away from party affairs for some time, in keeping with the spirit of the Akal Takht directive.
Praise for Amritpal Singh
Ayali praised Amritpal Singh's anti-drug campaign and the Khalsa Vaheer initiative. However, he ruled out joining any party run from Delhi, specifically naming the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and the Congress. He also clarified that he would not return to the parent SAD.
Opposition to Splinter Faction
The Dakha MLA revealed that he had opposed the formation of a splinter Akali faction from the very beginning. He argued that the Akal Takht had called for a united Akali Dal, not separate groups. This stance had put him at odds with the leadership of SAD (Punar Surjit).
Response from SAD (Punar Surjit)
Gurpartap Singh Wadala, the secretary general of SAD (Punar Surjit), dismissed Ayali's allegations. He accused Ayali of working at cross purposes after Giani Harpreet Singh became the party president. Wadala claimed that Ayali had tilted towards SAD (Waris Punjab De) and had tried to derail the alliance talks.
Context of Desertions
Ayali's exit comes amid a string of desertions from SAD (Punar Surjit). Several leaders have either returned to the main SAD or joined rival parties, including the AAP and the BJP. This trend underscores the ongoing instability within the breakaway faction.
About the Author: Navjeevan Gopal is a senior journalist based in Punjab with over two decades of experience. He covers crucial issues such as drugs, crime, gangsters, terror, and security in the border state. Currently an assistant editor with The Times of India in Punjab Bureau, he previously worked for The Indian Express for over 18 years. He started his career with Hindustan Times and now reports on Punjab politics, with a focus on the Shiromani Akali Dal and the Bharatiya Janata Party. He also extensively covers the Sikh diaspora worldwide.
