Chandigarh: A day after Iqbal Singh Jhundan joined hands with Amritpal Singh-led Akali Dal Waris Punjab De, the Shiromani Akali Dal (Punar Surjit) on Tuesday accused him of “betraying the Panth and abandoning the political platform created under the directions of Akal Takht Sahib”.Addressing a press conference here, SAD (Punar Surjit) secretary general Gurpartap Singh Wadala said, “Leaving the patronage of Akal Takht and accepting the patronage of an individual amounted to a grave violation of Sikh principles. By doing so, Iqbal Singh Jhundan has betrayed the Panth and Punjab.”Wadala said the SAD (Punar Surjit) never authorised Jhundan to announce any alliance on its behalf. He said Jhundan was free to join any political party if he no longer agreed with the organisation’s policies. However, announcing an alliance withanother political outfit without first forming a separate party or formally dissociating himself from the Shiromani Akali Dal (Punar Surjit) amounted to deceiving both the Panth and his new political allies, he alleged.Notably, after Jhundan declared support to the Akali Dal Waris Punjab De, the SAD (Punar Surjit) on Tuesday expelled him for six years for anti-organisation activities.Referring to the Dec 2, 2025, directive of the Akal Takht, Wadala said the members of the recruitment committee constituted under the directions were now seeking “new political destinations”.He alleged that “Jhundan and Manpreet Singh Ayali remained within the SAD (Punar Surjit) while working for another political platform and even wanted Giani Harpreet Singh to accept the leadership of another individual”.Wadala said, “We will not allow the platform created under the patronage of Sri Akal Takht Sahib to be handed over to anyone else.” He emphasised that SAD (Punar Surjit) was committed to Panthic unity and had “already forged ties with several Panthic organisations through the efforts of Giani Harpreet Singh”.Wadala was accompanied by Sucha Singh Chhotepur, Gobind Singh Longowal, Gaganjit Singh Barnala, Karnail Singh Peer Mohammad, Gurjit Singh Talwandi and Jagjit Singh Kohli.MSID:: 132561588 413 |
