The crisis within the Shiromani Akali Dal (Punar Surjit) intensified on Thursday, as Bhupinder Singh Khalsa, a US-based supporter who played a key role in establishing the party headquarters in Amritsar, accused the leadership of marginalizing loyal members amid growing internal discord.
Allegations of Neglect
Khalsa claimed that despite repeatedly attempting to contact party president Giani Harpreet Singh since November 28, 2025, he received no response. “I called around 35 times, but none of my calls or messages were answered,” he stated. He alleged that newly emerging groups within the party were being favored at the expense of long-standing loyalists, and that this disconnect contributed to the exit of senior leaders such as Surjit Singh Rakhra and Manpreet Singh Ayali.
Background of Turmoil
The accusations come days after former minister Surjit Singh Rakhra was expelled from the party, and Manpreet Singh Ayali resigned, triggering fresh upheaval in the outfit led by former Akal Takht jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh. Khalsa emphasized that he had spent over three months arranging and overseeing preparations for the party headquarters in Amritsar.
Party Response
Party spokesperson Jagjit Singh Kohli acknowledged Khalsa’s contributions to setting up the headquarters but dismissed concerns over the recent exits. “Those who left had vested interests. The party has suffered no setback,” Kohli said, adding that “a few people leaving will not harm the party.”
The internal strife has raised questions about the party's stability and its ability to retain committed members as it navigates these challenges.
