In the shifting landscape of Akali politics in Punjab, two breakaway groups—the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD)–Punar Surjit, led by dissident figures, and the Akali Dal Waris Punjab De (WPD), established by the father of imprisoned Khadoor Sahib MP Amritpal Singh—have officially joined forces to promote ‘panthic unity’ in preparation for the 2027 state assembly elections.
The agreement was reached during a meeting in Jalandhar on April 18, followed by the creation of a ‘Panthic Ekta Coordination Committee.’ Dakha MLA Manpreet Singh Ayali was selected as its coordinator without opposition.
Ayali explained that the partnership will involve sharing seats in elections while keeping their separate party symbols once assigned. He emphasized that the current priority is fostering unity among Sikh communities, with elections still distant, but this move starts the process of gathering aligned groups.
Ayali secured victory in the 2022 assembly elections under the Badal-led SAD despite a strong AAP surge, but he later broke away, calling for reforms and new leadership. He aligned with the SAD Sudhar Lehar in July 2022, which transformed into SAD–Punar Surjit in August 2025. He is now leading initiatives to merge divided Akali segments.
The Akali Dal WPD was launched on January 14, 2025, at the Maghi Mela event in Muktsar by Faridkot MP Sarabjeet Singh Khalsa and Tarsem Singh, Amritpal Singh’s father. Neither group has completed registration with the Election Commission or received symbols yet. However, WPD gauged its support in the November 2025 Tarn Taran by-election, part of the Khadoor Sahib parliamentary area. Their candidate, Mandeep Singh, earned about 19,000 votes and placed third. AAP’s Harmeet Singh Sandhu won, beating the SAD candidate by roughly 12,000 votes. WPD officials argued that their participation divided the usual Akali supporters, and combined efforts could have blocked AAP’s success.
Formed in August 2025 with former Akal Takht and Takht Damdama Sahib Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh as leader, SAD Punar Surjit has faced internal instability. Some members have rejoined the main SAD or switched to the BJP, including Makhan Brar, son of ex-minister Tota Singh, who realigned with the Badals recently, claiming rebel groups were undermining the party.
Giani Harpreet Singh did not attend the recent coordination committee meeting, sparking concerns about unity within the dissident ranks.
Ayali expressed optimism about growing the coalition, stating the goal is to consolidate all Akali elements, which would force Sukhbir Singh Badal to resign. He highlighted leadership reform as the central concern.
The group is also receptive to wider collaborations, including from entities like Navjot Kaur Sidhu’s newly formed Bharatiya Rashtravadi Party, which backed Amritpal Singh. Ayali noted that any supporters of Punjab’s strength and local identity are invited.
This unity effort follows a December 2, 2024, appeal for panthic consolidation from then Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh. Ayali described the recent actions as the initial practical response and encouraged religious, social, and agricultural bodies to participate.
The Badal-controlled SAD, engaged in its ‘Punjab Bachao’ campaign, has not commented on the new coalition. Previously, Badal has criticized splinter groups for harming Punjab’s interests, stressing that Sikh values and state well-being are essential.
With under a year until the assembly elections, the alliance’s effectiveness will hinge on building a solid framework to compete against major parties. Currently, it faces challenges from internal splits and modest voter base.
