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Time of India

Harchand Singh Longowal death anniv to bring out difference between real & fake Akali Dal: Chandumajra

Chandigarh: Senior Akali leader and former Member of Parliament Prem Singh Chandumajra on Tuesday said the death anniversary of Sant Harchand Singh Longowal on Wednesday would mark the beginning of a new campaign by the "real" Akali Dal, aimed at safeguarding Punjab and Punjabi identity. In a written statement on Tuesday, Chandumajra, who is a part of the parallel faction of the Akali Dal headed by Giani Harpreet Singh, said: "Under the guidance of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, the genuine Akali Dal will launch this initiative to counter challenges facing the panth." He said the occasion would also bring out a clear distinction between the "real and the fake Akali Dal" before the people of Punjab. Emphasising that "unity and community harmony are essential to defeat forces working against Punjab", the senior leader urged "all the Akalis and those committed to the welfare of Punjab and the panth to come together". Expressing concern over the economic situation, Chandumajra said Punjab was "being pushed into a state of financial bankruptcy". "The state is already burdened with a debt of Rs 4 lakh crore, which is growing every single day. To rescue Punjab from this grim phase, all Punjabis must rise collectively," he added. Chandumajra pointed to multiple crises faced by the state – loss of Punjab's control over its dams, the deployment of the BBMB and the CISF, the Centre withholding hundreds of crores of rupees in rural development funds, and the scrapping of the 60:40 employment ratio for Chandigarh employees. "On all these issues, the state leadership has maintained complete silence," he stated. Chandumajra urged Punjabis to unite under the leadership of Giani Harpreet Singh, whom he described as the "true heir of Punjab". MSID:: 123388093 413 | Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.