Fresh setback for Shiromani Akali Dal, expelled leaders form new political outfit

HIGHLIGHTS

• New political outfit has been named Shiromani Akali Dal (Taksali)
• Almost a dozen senior leaders bid adieu to Akali Dal in last two months
• Congress said that people have lost faith in Shiromani Akali Dal

In a major embarrassment to Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) headed by Sukhbir Singh Badal, a group of expelled Akali leaders announced formation of a new political entity on Sunday (December 16).

Former senior Akali Dal leaders including Ranjit Singh Brahmpura, Ratan Singh Ajnala, Sewa Singh Sekhwan, Ravindra Brahampura Amarpal and Amar pal Singh Boni, who were expelled from the party recently, declared the formation of the political entity which will be known as Shiromani Akali Dal Taksali. The announcement was made in Amritsar.

During the event, Ranjit Singh Brahmpura and Ravindra Brahmpura accused Badals of misusing their power for personal gains. They said that Badals flouted norms and misused religion for political gains.

General secretary and spokesperson of Shiromani Akali Dal Dr Daljit Singh Cheema termed the breakaway group as having been made up of opportunists.

"The new political outfit will not impact Shiromani Akali Dal, which is a democratic party. Those levelling false allegations against Sukhbir Singh Badal were themselves hungry for power and had occupied multiple posts in party and government," he said.

The Congress said that the split was expected as Shiromani Akali Dal has lost its sheen and people no longer trust the party.

Source