Akali old guard on way out in Gurdaspur
Ravi Dhaliwal
Tribune News Service
Gurdaspur, October 28
A generational shift in the SAD means that almost all old guard leaders of the district who were faithful to Parkash Singh Badal are on their way out, giving Sukhbir Singh Badal absolute control over the party.
Generational shift
- Sucha Singh Langah, once considered to be all-powerful, has been pushed into the wilderness
- Ex-Cabinet minister Balbir Singh Baath finds himself relegated to the sidelines
- Former Speaker Nirmal Singh Kahlon’s indisposition has come in as a handy tool for the powers-that-be to push him into oblivion.
Some have left on their own while others have been virtually forced to exit. There are also some like Sucha Singh Langah, once considered to be all-powerful, who has been pushed into the wilderness ever since a controversial video of his went viral in 2017. “His image in society has nosedived to the extent where the party is not at all keen to keep him in its ranks. He is trying to get a reprieve from Akal Takht so that he can make a comeback,” said a party MLA.
Ex-Cabinet minister Balbir Singh Baath finds himself relegated to the sidelines for no fault of his. He has remained a three-time MLA from Sri Hargobindpur. Ever since the seat was reserved in 2012, the party has not been able to suitably adjust him. Observers claim he is one of the most erudite leaders in the SAD. “He was a party ideologue and at times, he was indispensable. We need leaders of his intellectual standing to revitalise our party cadre but unfortunately, that’s not happening,” said an MLA.
Former Speaker Nirmal Singh Kahlon’s indisposition has come in as a handy tool for the powers-that-be to push him into oblivion. His son Ravi Karan Kahlon was made SAD Youth Wing (Majha) chief and later given the ticket from Dera Baba Nanak “in contribution for the senior Kahlon’s contribution to the party.”
