Akali leader and former MP Prem Singh Chandumajra on Wednesday announced his resignation from the Shiromani Akali Dal (Punar Surjit), dealing a blow to the Giani Harpreet Singh-led breakaway faction ahead of the Punjab assembly polls.
In his resignation, Chandumajra stressed that the coming together of all Akali and Panthic groups on a common platform to safeguard the interests of Punjab and the ‘Panth’ is the need of the hour. “In view of this, I have decided to part ways with Akali Dal (Punar Surjit).
He further said the public response given by SAD (Punar Surjit) president Giani Harpreet Singh to his appeal for ‘Panthic’ unity has made him realise that “our thinking, ideology and working style are not aligned”. My commitment to safeguarding the interests of the Panth, Punjab, Punjabiat and the rights of Punjab remains as firm as ever,” he further said. Talking to newsmen after a meeting of the party’s election manifesto committee, SAD leader Balwinder Singh Bhunder said Chandumajra decided to work for the betterment of Punjab, Punjabis and Punjabiat.
Earlier, former minister Surjit Singh Rakhra, MLA Manpreet Singh Ayali, former Akali MLA Iqbal Singh Jhundan and Barjinder Singh Brar quit SAD (Punar Surjit). SAD (Punar Surjit) was formed last year by rebel Akali leaders, who were against the leadership of SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal.
