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Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
SAD breakaway faction eyes Amritsar for its headquarters
1 2 Amritsar: The reorganised Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), led by former officiating jathedar of Akal Takht Giani Harpreet Singh, has begun the process of establishing its party headquarters in Amritsar and set up the party's core and executive committees to formalise its organisational structure and manage day-to-day affairs. "We are actively looking for a suitable office space in Amritsar to revive the traditional practice of having the SAD's headquarters in the holy city, along with a sub-office that will be established in Chandigarh to coordinate party affairs," said Jasbir Singh Ghuman, a senior delegate of the rebel SAD, on Thursday, Former All India Sikh Students Federation president, Ghuman said a meeting was held on Thursday involving the five-member Bharti Committee, party president Harpreet Singh, and Panthic Council chairpersons Satwant Kaur to finalise key decisions related to the party's structure and logistics to pave way for the formal launch of operations. Ghuman said that the party is currently engaged in discussions on key political issues concerning Punjab with intellectuals , and also studying the dynamics of Centre-state relations. Dismissing reports of any alliance talks, he clarified, "At this stage, we are focused on setting up the party's infrastructure and deliberating on both political and religious matters. There is no consideration of alliances at the moment. " The breakaway Akali faction could make it difficult for SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal to regain lost influence and public support in Punjab, according to P Ajnala, a Sikh intellectual. The SAD won only three seats in the 2022 assembly elections but now holds just one MLA in the state assembly — Ganieve Kaur Majithia, wife of jailed SAD leader Bikram Singh Majithia. Other MLAs, Sukhminder Kumar, defected to AAP, while Manpreet Singh Ayali has openly aligned with the SAD rebel camp and is also one member of the five-member committee constituted by Akal Takht to reorganise the SAD. The upcoming Tarn Taran byelection — expected to be the first significant electoral test — could serve as a mirror reflecting which party truly commands the confidence of the people in the state. MSID:: 123298533 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. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Happy Independence Day wishes , messages , and quotes !
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Rebel SAD begins establishing new headquarters and reorganizing party structure in Amritsar
AMRITSAR : The reorganized Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), led by former officiating Jathedar of the Akal Takht, Giani Harpreet Singh, began the process of establishing its party headquarters in Amritsar. Simultaneously, efforts are underway to constitute the party's core and executive committees to formalise its organisational structure and manage day-to-day affairs, along with contemplating Punjab's political affairs and Centre-State relations. A senior delegate of the rebel SAD, Jasbir Singh Ghuman, informed on Thursday, 'We are actively looking for a suitable office space in Amritsar to revive the traditional practice of having the SAD's headquarters in the holy city, along with a sub-office that will be established in Chandigarh to coordinate party affairs.' Former President of the All India Sikh Students Federation, Ghuman, also informed that a meeting is being held on Thursday involving the five-member Bharti Committee, party President Giani Harpreet Singh, and Chairperson of the Panthic Council, Satwant Kaur, aiming to finalise key decisions related to the party's structure and logistics to pave the way for the formal launch of the party's operations. Ghuman also informed that the party is currently engaged in discussions on key political issues concerning Punjab with intellectuals , and also studying the dynamics of Centre-State relations. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Secure Your Child's Future with Strong English Fluency Planet Spark Learn More Undo Dismissing reports of any alliance talks, he clarified, 'At this stage, we are focused on setting up the party's infrastructure and deliberating on both political and religious matters. There is no consideration of alliances at the moment. ' Stating that Harpreet Singh, now the President of the breakaway Akali faction, has no grand offices, no massive infrastructure, and no legacy machinery, a Sikh intellectual, P Ajnala, said, 'Harpreet has public traction and political calamity, which is far more dangerous for the Badals.' Speaking politically, he said the numbers tell a brutal story. Badal's SAD won only three seats in the 2022 assembly elections but now holds just one MLA in the state assembly — Ganieve Kaur Majithia, wife of jailed SAD leader Bikram Singh Majithia. Other MLAs, Sukhminder Kumar, defected to AAP, while Manpreet Singh Ayali has openly aligned with the SAD rebel camp and is also one member of the five-member committee constituted by Akal Takht to reorganise the SAD. Similarly, he said that Lok Sabha representation of SAD led by Badal has shrunk to just one MP — Harsimrat Kaur Badal, wife of Sukhbir Badal . Meanwhile, the Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De), riding the tide of religious and youth sentiment, holds two MPs — Amritpal Singh, currently in jail, and Sarbajit Singh. Under the current circumstances, it will be far from a cakewalk for the Sukhbir Badal-led faction to regain its lost influence and public support in Punjab. The upcoming Tarn Taran by-election — expected to be the first significant electoral test — could serve as a mirror reflecting which party truly commands the confidence of the people in the state. 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. "Get the latest news updates on Times of India, including reviews of the movie Coolie and War 2 ."
Hindustan Times
23-06-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Ludhiana: Despite campaign blitz, Akali Dal pick bites dust
The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), once a strong political force in Ludhiana West, faced a major blow in the recent by-election as its candidate Parupkar Singh Ghuman could manage to pull only 8,203 votes, securing a mere 9.1% of the vote share and losing his security deposit. Observers point out that SAD's traditional methods are failing to connect with today's urban and young voters. (HT Photo) The constituency, historically significant for SAD, was earlier won by the party during its alliance with the BJP. In 2007, SAD's Harish Rai Dhanda had won from the seat and was later appointed chief parliamentary secretary. Later, senior Akali leader Maheshinder Singh Grewal, a former cabinet minister, also contested from here. Back then, the SAD-BJP combine enjoyed considerable support in Ludhiana's urban belt. This time, however, the picture was starkly different. A total of 90,160 votes were cast in the bypoll, of which AAP's candidate Sanjeev Arora secured 35,179 votes (39.02%), followed by Congress's Bharat Bhushan Ashu with 24,542 votes (27.22%), and BJP's Rajinder Bittu Gupta who polled 20,303 votes (22.54%). SAD's Ghuman stood fourth with only 8203 votes (9.1%). Though SAD's vote share saw a minor rise from 8.58% in 2022 to 9.1% this year, its total votes fell by nearly 2,000, as the overall turnout dropped from over 1.17 lakh votes in 2022 to 90,000 this time. In 2022, Grewal had secured around 10,032 votes, showing that despite a full-fledged campaign, SAD's hold continued to slip. Party president Sukhbir Singh Badal personally led the campaign, staying in the constituency for over 20 days and conducting door-to-door visits, padyatras, and meetings. However, these efforts did not reflect in the poll results. 'This is concerning. We had hoped to rebuild our support base here, but the response was disappointing,' said a senior SAD leader, requesting anonymity. Ghuman, defending the results, stated: 'Our vote percent has been increased from last assembly election as during that time vote has been polled 1,17,000 and now around 90,000 votes have been polled so in that case our votes percentage has been increased. But AAP misused state machinery, distributed materialistic benefits, and even got fake FIRs registered during campaigning days.' Senior Akali leader and MLA Manpreet Singh Ayali, while speaking on the outcome, expressed internal concerns, saying, 'There has been consistent dissent from Sikh voters. According to my survey, around 29% of Ludhiana West's voters are Sikhs, but SAD's central leadership is not addressing the issues affecting them. I have raised this before, but the leadership remains disconnected.' Observers point out that SAD's traditional methods are failing to connect with today's urban and young voters. While the party has roots in rural and religious politics, Ludhiana's fast-changing urban demographic demands modern outreach and clarity on local issues.
Hindustan Times
15-06-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Message is simple, it's time for change: Parupkar Singh Ghuman, Shiromani Akali Dal candidate for Ludhiana West
As the Ludhiana West assembly constituency heads into a crucial bypoll, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) candidate Parupkar Singh Ghuman has positioned himself as a strong contender, with a focus on clean governance, civic accountability and resolving the long-ignored Budhha Nullah issue. A renowned lawyer and grassroots worker, Ghuman is building his campaign on transparency, public connect, and local issues that have long been overlooked. In an interaction with Hindustan Times, Ghuman shares his road map for the constituency and how he plans to restore faith in governance, if elected. Q: What is your message to the voters of Ludhiana West in this byelection? The people of Ludhiana West have been neglected for too long. Roads are crumbling, pollution is rising, and civic systems are failing. My message is simple — it's time for change. I am not here to make tall claims, but to represent the voice of people that has remained unheard for years. I want to bring accountability and a new work culture. I will be the voice of Ludhiana West in the assembly. Q: Budhha Nullah continues to remain a key issue. How do you plan to address it? The Budhha Nullah has turned into a symbol of administrative failure. Despite thousands of crores being spent, nothing has improved on ground. I will push for a court-monitored, time-bound plan to clean it. The practice of dumping sludge from sewage treatment plants (STPs) into the nullah must be stopped immediately. A third-party audit of the funds spent so far must also be conducted. Q: The SAD has struggled in recent elections. How are you tackling internal challenges and voter trust? It's true that SAD went through a difficult phase. Workers were disillusioned, especially on panthic issues. But I've held meetings to restore their confidence. I believe in working with documents, with facts. I have assured our cadre that we are here with a clear agenda and transparent purpose. Q: How do you distinguish yourself from other candidates in the fray? Others rely on their past records or party slogans. I believe in real-time public engagement. My campaign is driven by ground realities sanitation, illegal encroachments, mismanaged sewage systems. I don't promise miracles, I commit to action. Q: With BJP gaining urban ground in the Lok Sabha polls, how will that impact SAD's chances? Will there be an alliance? The BJP wave during Lok Sabha polls was largely influenced by national sentiments like the Ram Mandir. As for an alliance, it will depend on policy alignment. SAD is committed to Punjab's farmers, industries, and regional needs. If BJP aligns with our core values, talks may happen — but that's for the leadership to decide. Q: What are your key poll agendas? I have five core priorities- strengthening law and order, which has collapsed under AAP. Infrastructure revival across sectors. Budhha Nullah clean-up with independent monitoring. Resolution of the long-pending City Centre scam. Creation of a sector-wise grievance redressal system for fast-track public complaint resolution. Q: What about the internal rift with SAD MLA Manpreet Singh Ayali? Will it affect your campaign? Ayali has differences with the party leadership but he remains in the party. I'm contesting for the SAD, for the people. The issues of Ludhiana West are unique and not connected to rural concerns. My focus is clear to work for the people of this constituency, without distractions.
Time of India
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Sukhbir Badal and Bikram Majithia lead SAD's assembly election campaign in Ludhiana West
Ludhiana: As national parties flood Ludhiana's West constituency with high-profile campaigners ahead of the June 19 bypoll, the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) is charting its own path — relying squarely on regional leadership to woo voters amid growing internal tensions. While the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Congress, and BJP bring in political stars from across the country, the SAD has kept its campaign grounded with party president Sukhbir Singh Badal leading the charge. His efforts received a boost on Wednesday with the arrival of senior party leader Bikram Singh Majithia, whose presence is expected to energise grassroots workers. "Sukhbir and Majithia are our star campaigners," a senior Akali member said, requesting anonymity. "The people of Punjab know who stood with them. They remember the development under the SAD-BJP govt and hold Parkash Singh Badal in high regard." Former Union minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal is also expected to join the campaign briefly, while senior SAD member Daljit Singh Cheema and other state leaders are canvassing actively for party candidate Parupkar Singh Ghuman. Despite limited external fanfare, local leaders claim that being a regional party gives the SAD an edge in understanding and addressing ground realities. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Canadian Residents Are Now Eligible for a New Financial Program Canada Today Undo "Crowds at national leaders' rallies don't always translate into votes," another SAD leader said, dismissing large gatherings at AAP rallies as optics bolstered by out-of-town supporters. However, the campaign has been marred by an escalating feud between Ghuman and Dakha legislator Manpreet Singh Ayali, both from within the SAD fold. Ghuman accused Ayali of sabotaging the party's prospects by allegedly aligning with rival parties under the guise of a membership drive. "Ayali tried to benefit from the BJP, helped AAP, and now seeks votes for the Congress," Ghuman alleged in a recent public interview. Ayali hit back via a social media livestream on Wednesday, urging Ghuman to focus on public issues instead of launching personal attacks. "He's targeting me more than the governing party, which is shameful," Ayali said. "He should campaign on merit, not mudsling." The public fallout has stirred unease among party loyalists, casting a shadow over SAD's strategy to project unity and reclaim lost ground in Punjab. MSID:: 121778856 413 |
