Crisis deepens in Shiromani Akali Dal as three more senior leaders ''revolt''

Ruchika M. Khanna
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, September 30

A day after veteran Akali leader Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa resigned from all party posts, at least three other senior Taksali leaders—MP Ranjit Singh Brahmpura, Rattan Singh Ajnala and Sewa Singh Sekhwan—are believed to have revolted.

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The three leaders are expected to vent their ire against Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal at a press conference scheduled in Amritsar at 4.30 pm on Sunday.

Top Akali leaders are trying to contain the dissent that threatens to break away the party vertically. Highly-placed sources have told The Tribune that the party leaders have been in touch with the three leaders, but they have refused to relent. The trio has also been in touch with another anti-Sukhbir Taksali leader from Malwa region, who had questioned decisions taken by Sukhbir in dealing with the political storm emerging after the Ranjit Singh Commission report was tabled earlier this month.

Another Akali leader from Majha region and his son, were also contacted by the trio, but he too has not given his consent so far.

Sukhbir Singh Badal could not be contacted, but senior Akali Dal leaders said that these were signs of generational shift in the party. 

SAD patriarch Parkash Singh Badal said about Dhindsa’s decision: "He is our brother, an SAD leader, having much contribution for the party. He is however not having good health. His son's statement too has come. I will meet him."

He was speaking in Lambi, his assembly segment.