SAD cracks the whip, expels Bibi Jagir Kaur, Prem S Chandumajra, six other rebels

Chandigarh, July 30

Two weeks after a rebel group announced a “reform movement” to save the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) from the control of the Badal family, the party today expelled eight leaders, including former SGPC chief Jagir Kaur and ex-MP Prem Singh Chandumajra, for indulging in “anti-party activities” with immediate effect.

Wider conspiracy

It was also felt that the leaders have wilfully damaged the image of the party as part of a wider conspiracy. Balwinder Singh Bhundur, sad leader

A decision to this effect was taken by the party’s disciplinary committee headed by senior leader Balwinder Singh Bhundur here.

Besides Jagir Kaur and Chandumajra, the senior leaders who have been expelled from the primary membership of the party are Gurpartap Singh Wadala, Parminder Singh Dhindsa, Sikander Singh Maluka, Surjit Singh Rakhra, Surinder Singh Thekedar and Charanjit Singh Brar.

The leaders had challenged the leadership of Sukhbir Singh Badal following the party’s poor performance in elections since 2017. The leaders had also submitted a letter to the Akal Takht Jathedar, admitting “several mistakes” committed by the party against the Panth.

With the expulsions, seven posts of constituency in-charges have become vacant. The party said the vacancies would be filled soon after taking a detailed feedback from party workers.

Giving details, Bhundur said the eight leaders had colluded with the “enemies” to create divisions in the party and weaken it. He said, “It was also felt that the leaders have wilfully damaged the image of the party as part of a wider conspiracy.”

Claiming that the decision was taken after careful consideration, he said, “They were given ample opportunity to discuss their issues in the party. The June 26 working committee meeting had also through a resolution appealed to them to discuss their misgivings in the party forum, but they refused to do so.”

Bhundur said instead of showing restraint, the eight leaders increased the scope of their anti-party activities and made it clear that they did not have any faith in the organisation.

In a separate press conference, the SAD today said the allegations against Sukhbir by the prime accused in a sacrilege case were part of a calculated move by Central agencies and anti-Punjab forces, including AAP, to marginalise the party.

Addressing a press conference here, senior SAD leaders said Pradeep Kler, who had made “wild allegations” against Sukhbir, had turned approver in the sacrilege case.